Cowboy Pasta Salad
A hearty and smoky pasta salad that's perfect for any gathering, combining pasta, bacon, beans, corn, and a creamy tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bow tie pasta Works best to grab the dressing
- 6 slices cooked bacon Chopped crisp
- 1 can corn Canned, frozen, or grilled off the cob
- 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Cubed or shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion Soak to reduce sharpness if desired
- 1 medium bell pepper Chopped for crunch
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs Cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Pickles or jalapenos Optional, for added kick
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayo For creaminess
- 1/2 cup sour cream For tang
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce For smoky sweetness
- 1 tbsp lime juice Add a squeeze
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- to taste hot sauce or cayenne pepper Optional, for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
- Bake or cook bacon until crisp, then chop.
- Chop veggies into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, beans, corn, cheddar, onion, pepper, and herbs.
- Pour in the dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, BBQ sauce, or lime juice as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with crispy bacon on top. Great for meal prep; stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Rehydrate with additional dressing if needed before serving.