Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe: A Hearty Ranch Roundup

Cowboy pasta salad with hearty ingredients mingle together in a rustic bowl, creating a flavor explosion.

Crisp bacon bits and tender pasta create an irresistible combination that screams summer cookout.

Colorful bell peppers and corn kernels bring a southwestern charm to every forkful.

Chunks of sharp cheddar cheese provide a creamy contrast to the crunchy vegetables.

Packed with bold flavors and easy to prep, this dish comes together faster than a wild mustang gallops across the prairie.

Savor each bite and watch this crowd-pleasing salad become the star of your next gathering.

What Makes Cowboy Pasta Salad a Hit

• Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or use what's in your pantry, making this cowboy pasta salad super flexible for any kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with bold flavors from barbecue sauce, ranch, and ground beef, this dish satisfies hungry families and picky eaters alike.
• Quick and Convenient: Whip up this no-fuss recipe in minutes with simple steps and minimal cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy chilled as a refreshing side or at room temperature for potlucks, picnics, and casual get-togethers with friends and family.

What Goes in Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Hearty noodles perfect for a cowboy-style meal.

• Ground Beef: Rich, savory protein that adds depth to the salad.

• Black Beans, Corn, Red Bell Pepper, Onion, Cherry Tomatoes: Colorful mix of fresh and hearty vegetables that bring crunch and flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds a classic tangy touch.

• Barbecue Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Creamy and smoky base for the salad.

• Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Spicy and classic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that adds a fresh finishing touch.

Making Cowboy Pasta Salad Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked.

Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Chop and Prep Vegetables

• Red bell pepper
• Onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Protein

• Cooled pasta
• Browned ground beef
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced red bell pepper
• Chopped onion
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Whisk Dressing

• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until well combined and smooth.

Step 6: Dress and Mix Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the salad.

Mix lightly to distribute the herbs.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Serve cold or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or main course.

Pro Advice for Cowboy Pasta Salad Success

• Brown ground beef thoroughly in a hot skillet to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste of the pasta salad.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the cowboy-style dish according to their comfort zone.
• Ensure pasta is completely cooled and well-drained before mixing to maintain a crisp texture and prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to let flavors meld together, creating an even more delicious and cohesive dish that tastes better with time.
• Replace cilantro with fresh parsley or chives if desired, offering flexibility for those who might not enjoy cilantro's distinctive flavor profile.

Keep Cowboy Pasta Salad Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the pasta salad fresh and delicious.
• Gently mix the pasta salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.
• Skip freezing this dish, as the vegetables and dressing may separate and lose their texture when thawed.
• If desired, let the pasta salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance the flavors.

What to Serve With Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Boost Flavor with Bold Beer Pairing: Select a crisp amber ale or hoppy pale ale that complements the robust barbecue and ranch flavors of the cowboy pasta salad.
• Create Zesty Wine Match: Choose a medium-bodied zinfandel or spicy red blend that stands up to the hearty beef and tangy dressing, enhancing the salad's southwestern profile.
• Elevate with Refreshing Cocktail: Mix a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and a touch of salt to mirror the salad's bold southwestern ingredients and provide a cooling contrast.
• Accent with Citrus Mocktail: Craft a bright, non-alcoholic drink using fresh lime, sparkling water, and a hint of jalapeño to echo the salad's vibrant and spicy undertones.

Tasty Twists on Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Vegetarian Cowboy Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or grilled tofu cubes for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Ranch Cowboy Salad: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute ranch dressing with a homemade dairy-free alternative made from cashews or Greek yogurt.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase hot sauce quantity, add diced jalapeños, and swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Cowboy Bowl: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, maintaining the classic southwestern flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad spicy?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce you use. Choose a mild hot sauce for less spice or increase the amount for more kick.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors actually develop and improve when chilled overnight in the refrigerator.

• What if I don't like cilantro?

Simply skip the cilantro or replace it with fresh parsley. The salad will still taste delicious and have great flavor.

• Do I need to cook the pasta a specific way?

Cook the pasta al dente, which means slightly firm. Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cowboy pasta salad brings rustic ranch-style flavors to your summer gathering with hearty beef, zesty corn, and tangy dressing. Crisp vegetables and bold seasonings create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at every picnic and potluck.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (such as rotini or penne), cooked and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) black beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cheese and Dressing:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel to assemble the vibrant cowboy-inspired pasta medley.
2. Layer the cooled pasta with richly seasoned ground beef, creating a robust foundation for the salad.
3. Incorporate black beans and sweet corn kernels to enhance texture and provide complementary flavors.
4. Add crisp red bell pepper and sharp red onion for a zesty crunch that elevates the dish’s complexity.
5. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese throughout the mixture.
6. Craft a dynamic dressing by whisking together tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch, and a dash of fiery hot sauce.
7. Season the dressing with precise salt and pepper to balance the bold flavor profile.
8. Drizzle the vibrant sauce over the pasta mixture, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
9. Delicately garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the hearty salad.
10. Allow the salad to rest briefly, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
11. Present chilled or at ambient temperature, ideal for outdoor gatherings or as a satisfying accompaniment to any meal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity for spice-sensitive guests or kids who prefer milder flavors.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options and dietary flexibility.
• Enhance freshness by adding crisp chopped green onions or diced cucumber for extra crunch and vibrant texture.
• Make ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor melding, allowing dressing to fully infuse ingredients overnight before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg