Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish combining elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy ranch-barbecue dressing. This pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a flavorful side that brings a fusion of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 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
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Combine 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, rinsed black beans, and chopped cilantro if using. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and for the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Pasta Salad chilled as a tasty side or a light main dish, perfect for picnics or gatherings.
Notes
- You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta well with cold water to prevent it from sticking and to cool it quickly.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity to your preferred level of smokiness and sweetness.
- Add avocado or jalapeños for a creamier or spicier variation.
- For best flavor, prepare the salad a few hours ahead to allow ingredients to marinate well.
