Description

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with pasta, ground beef, bacon, beans, corn, and a tangy dressing, perfect for barbecues and potlucks.

Ingredients

Units Scale

8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1/2 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup canned corn, drained
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ground beef, crumbled bacon, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version.
Make ahead and refrigerate; the flavors improve as it sits.
Add diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg