Description
A flavorful and hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer cookouts or quick meals. This colorful pasta salad combines elbow macaroni with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, black beans, and a tangy ranch-barbecue dressing, all tossed together and chilled for a refreshing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, and chopped cilantro if using. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir, then serve it cold as a delicious side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance for better flavor.
- Adjust barbecue sauce amount based on preferred sweetness and tanginess.
- Rinse pasta under cold water thoroughly to prevent clumping and cool it quickly.
- Add avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or spiciness if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
