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cowboy pasta salad featured

Hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad

A satisfying blend of pasta, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and vegetables tossed in a creamy BBQ-infused dressing – perfect for potlucks and family gatherings!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Grain & Pasta Salads
Cuisine: American Southwest
Calories: 794

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta (340 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 milliliters)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (2 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (1 gram)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5 grams)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (165 grams) canned, drained or thawed if frozen
  • 15 oz black beans (425 grams) canned, rinsed, and drained
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (150 grams) halved or quartered
  • ½ red onion (75 grams) finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 grams)
  • ½ cup sliced pickled jalapeños (60 grams) optional, for heat
  • 4 slices cooked bacon (60 grams) chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (8 grams)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (180 milliliters)
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (30 milliliters)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 milliliters)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 milliliters)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (5 milliliters), optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about ¼ teaspoon each)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with olive oil.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat and cool.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beef, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cheese, jalapeños, bacon, and herbs.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra cheese, herbs or bacon if desired.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • For make-ahead preparation, keep the dressing separate until 4 hours before serving.
  • This salad can be customized with different proteins like chicken or turkey, and the heat level adjusted by varying the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce.