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Cowboy Pasta Salad

A hearty and flavorful pasta salad packed with Southwest-inspired ingredients, perfect for summer barbecues and picnic gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, diced chicken breast, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheddar, and cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and barbecue sauce until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine thoroughly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a splash of chipotle hot sauce or serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.