This Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, veggies, and zesty dressing that makes for a perfect side dish or light meal. It’s like a party in a bowl!
I love how quick this salad comes together—just boil the pasta, toss in some fresh ingredients, and you’re set! Plus, it’s great for picnics or lunchboxes. Yum! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta for its fun shape, but you can swap it with any pasta you like—penne or rotini work well too!
Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead. They’ll soak up the spices nicely while cutting down on fat.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, but if they’re out of season, try sundried tomatoes or even diced bell peppers for different flavors.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch gives a classic flavor, but feel free to use Greek yogurt with herbs for a lighter version, or any vinaigrette you enjoy!
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta al dente is key to a great pasta salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the bowtie pasta and stir occasionally.
- Check the cooking time on the package, but taste it a minute before it’s done. It should be firm but tender.
- Once ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
By rinsing, the pasta won’t stick together, and it cools down quickly for your salad!
Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups dry bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or more, to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad takes about 15-20 minutes for prep time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll have this colorful dish ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to cool.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to crumble it as it cooks. Continue to cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat before seasoning it with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well and then remove it from heat.
3. Combine All Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (if you’re adding it), and chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle toss to mix it well.
4. Add the Dressing:
Pour the ranch dressing over the mixed salad and toss gently again to ensure everything is evenly coated in the dressing. You can add more dressing if you like it saucy!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors combine and meld together. Before serving, give it another light toss and, if needed, adjust the seasoning or dressing to your taste.
Enjoy your delicious, fresh, and flavorful Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a lovely meal at home.
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or macaroni. Just ensure you cook it to al dente for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, you could use lentils or swap in diced tofu or tempeh for protein.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, give it a good toss and, if it looks dry, add a little more ranch dressing to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge, and don’t forget to mix it before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients!
