Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best elements of a pasta salad with the bold flavors of cowboy cuisine. This salad is loaded with pasta, beans, corn, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, making it a satisfying and delicious dish for any occasion.
To make the Best Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad, start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled pasta with black beans, corn (fresh or canned), diced bell peppers (use a mix of colors for a vibrant look), chopped red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh cilantro. You can also add cooked and diced chicken or bacon for an extra protein boost.
For the dressing, mix together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, a touch of chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well combined. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also top the salad with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
This Best Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for your favorite grilled meats. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
yield: 12 prep time: 15 MINUTES additional time: 5 MINUTES total time: 20 MINUTES
Ingredients
1 lb. bacon
½ lb. ground beef or turkey
1 tablespoon of olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 lb. rotini pasta
1 cup mayo
¼ cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons spicy mustard
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 can whole corn
cup grape tomatoes, halved
cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded, for garnish
¾ cup green onion, reserve some for garnish
Instructions
FIRST STEP:
Go ahead and proceed to cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain it, drizzle it with olive oil, and set it aside.
Using a large skillet, cook the bacon, chop it, and set it to the side – go ahead and drain any excess bacon fat.
SECOND STEP:
Proceed to cook the ground meat until it is done using the same pan, pairing it with the onion, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Proceed to combine and stir in the mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and hot sauce until everything is well-combined.
THIRD STEP:
Go ahead and add in the corn and tomatoes.
Proceed to go ahead and stir in the cooked pasta.
FOURTH STEP:
Go ahead and garnish your dish with cheese and reserved green onion.
Serve your loaded cowboy pasta and enjoy!