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Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Welcome to your new favorite summer dish: Cowboy Pasta Salad. This vibrant and colorful salad is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner. With its hearty ingredients and zesty flavors, this pasta salad brings a taste of the Wild West right to your table.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cowboy Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cooked corn fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • Serving Spoon

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed before adding it to the salad.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked corn, rinsed black beans, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to mix everything together.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and 1 tbsp of lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Prepare a big batch at the start of the week, and you have a quick, satisfying meal ready to go!