This Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for summer! Packed with colorful veggies, beans, and tender pasta, it’s not just vibrant but also super tasty.
What’s great is that it’s so simple to whip up! I love making it in big batches for picnic days—who doesn’t like a delicious, no-cook meal in the sunshine? ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: I love using bow tie (or farfalle) because its shape holds onto the dressing nicely. If you don’t have bow tie pasta, any pasta shape like rotini or penne works just as well!
Ground Beef: The beef adds great flavor, but you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or veggie crumbles instead.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add freshness and sweetness. If they’re out of season, feel free to use diced regular tomatoes—or even bell peppers for some crunch!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice zing! You could use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for more flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try a nut-based cheese.
Ranch Dressing: This is a key flavor component, but you could easily swap it for Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a healthier dressing or your favorite vinaigrette!
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta perfectly means getting it just right! Here are my tips:
- Always boil water before adding your pasta. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
- Cook the pasta for the time suggested on the package, but check a minute earlier to avoid overcooking.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse your pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from getting mushy.
These steps will ensure a delightful texture for your Cowboy Pasta Salad!
What’s the Best Way to Cool Ground Beef?
After cooking, it’s essential to cool the ground beef slightly before adding it to your salad. You don’t want to wilt those fresh veggies!
- After browning, place the cooked beef in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows it to cool.
- A quick trick is to spread it out on a plate for faster cooling—more surface area means it cools quicker!
Taking this extra step keeps your salad ingredients fresh and delicious!
Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4-5 slices)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious pasta salad. It’s quick and easy, making it an excellent option for summer gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside in a bowl.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked through, season it with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and let the beef cool slightly.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef, cherry tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, corn, black beans, crumbled bacon, and chopped cilantro. This mix will give your salad a burst of color and flavor!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss everything together until it’s well mixed. Make sure everything is coated in that creamy ranch goodness!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling time lets all the flavors blend together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give the salad a quick stir. If you like, garnish with a bit of extra cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Now you’re ready to serve your bright and delicious Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad!
Enjoy your fresh, hearty, and colorful Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad—perfect for summer picnics and BBQs!
FAQ About Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is great for this salad, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure it’s cooked to al dente!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a little stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Sure! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can try using cooked lentils or veggie crumbles instead of beef for added protein and flavor!
What Dressing Can I Use Instead of Ranch?
If ranch isn’t your favorite, you can use any vinaigrette or dressing you prefer! A zesty Italian, garlic herb, or even a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing would work well and add a different flavor profile to the salad.
