Description
Discover the best flavor of Cowboy Pasta Salad with this easy to bake, step-by-step recipe guide. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or shells)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For garnish: extra cilantro, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Drain thoroughly again.
- Prepare Veggies: While pasta cooks, finely dice red onion, bell peppers. Halve cherry tomatoes. Rinse and drain black beans and corn.
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, (and mayonnaise if using). Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine: Add cooled pasta, black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and optional chicken and cilantro to the dressing. Toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably 4 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Stir again before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins