Name: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 preferred); 1 small yellow onion, minced; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste; 16 ounces dry pasta (rotini recommended); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing); 2 limes, juiced; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 oz packet); 12 ounces frozen corn, thawed (or 1 (15 oz) can, drained); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz), grated or cubed; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, diced; 2 green onions, sliced; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Cowboy Pasta Salad is a bold and hearty dish perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. With pasta, seasoned beef, veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and loved by both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Pasta Salad

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just about 35 minutes from start to finish. The combination of hearty ground beef, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your family’s preferences, making it a go-to dish for any occasion!

Ingredients for Cowboy Pasta Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Cowboy Pasta Salad, you’ll need a mix of hearty and fresh components that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lean ground beef: I prefer 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and health. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Yellow onion: Minced for a sweet and savory base. You can use red onion for a sharper taste.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste; fresh ground pepper adds a nice kick!
Dry pasta: Rotini is my go-to for this salad, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
Extra virgin olive oil: A must for both cooking and dressing. It adds richness and depth to the flavors.
Limes: Freshly juiced for a zesty dressing. You can swap with lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand.

Taco seasoning: This is where the magic happens! You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend.
Frozen corn: Thawed for sweetness and texture. Canned corn works too, just drain it well.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they add protein and fiber. You can substitute with kidney beans if you prefer.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Grated or cubed for a creamy, tangy bite. Feel free to use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a burst of freshness. Any small tomato variety will do!
Bell peppers: Red and green add color and crunch. You can mix in yellow or orange for sweetness.
Jalapeño: Diced for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Green onions: Sliced for a mild onion flavor. They add a nice pop of color too!
Fresh cilantro and parsley: Optional garnishes that brighten up the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, skip it!

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Cowboy Pasta Salad! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress.

Cook the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and minced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the salad light and healthy. This step is crucial for a tasty Cowboy Pasta Salad!

Season and Cool

After draining the beef, season it with fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix in the flavors. Now, set the mixture aside to cool. This is important because adding hot ingredients to the salad can wilt the veggies. We want everything to stay fresh and crisp!

Prepare the Pasta

While the beef cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps the pasta stay firm in the salad.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef mixture, thawed corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, jalapeño, and sliced green onions. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is well-distributed. This is where the magic of flavors begins!

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and taco seasoning. This zesty dressing is what brings the Cowboy Pasta Salad to life! Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra lime juice can brighten it up even more.

Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well coated. This is the moment when all those vibrant flavors meld into one delicious dish. Now, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen, making each bite even more delightful!

Tips for Success

Prep your ingredients ahead of time to save on cooking time.
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand.
For a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Make it a day in advance for even better flavor!

Equipment Needed

Large skillet: Essential for cooking the beef. A non-stick pan works great too.
Pot: For boiling the pasta. Any large pot will do the trick.
Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for the salad and a smaller one for the dressing.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing the dressing. A fork can work in a pinch!
Colander: Handy for draining the pasta. A fine mesh strainer is a good alternative.

Variations of Cowboy Pasta Salad

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty plant-based option.
Spicy Kick: Add more diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat!
Southwestern Twist: Incorporate diced avocado and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this Cowboy Pasta Salad suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in crumbled feta or pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Pasta Salad

Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips and salsa for a fun crunch.
Complement with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.
Enjoy it as a standalone dish for a light lunch!

FAQs about Cowboy Pasta Salad

As you embark on your Cowboy Pasta Salad journey, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way!

Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests!

What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or lentils. They add a hearty texture without the meat!

How can I adjust the spice level?

To control the heat, simply add more or less jalapeño. You can also use milder peppers or skip them altogether if you prefer a milder Cowboy Pasta Salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this Cowboy Pasta Salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. It’s a delicious option for those with dietary restrictions!

What are some good sides to serve with Cowboy Pasta Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, crispy tortilla chips, or a light fruit salad. It’s versatile enough to complement any BBQ spread!

Final Thoughts

Creating this Cowboy Pasta Salad is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing joy to your table. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a feast for the eyes and the palate. I love how it effortlessly combines hearty ingredients with fresh veggies, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some nutrition while keeping things fun! Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ or enjoying it as a quick lunch, this salad is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Happy cooking!

More Recipes Hungry to Try

If you loved this bold and hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad, you’ll definitely want to check out our One-Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken Penne. It’s a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish made in a single pot—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying with minimal cleanup. Loaded with tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese, it’s comfort food the whole family will crave!