Description
Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish that combines pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, black beans, cheese, and a tangy ranch dressing with a hint of barbecue sauce. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
Salad:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the salad bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or bacon bits.
- Add jalapeño for extra heat, or use chipotle ranch for a smoky kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
