Kick Up Your Cookout with Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad!

Ready to lasso some serious flavor? This Cowboy Pasta Salad isn’t just another side dish—it’s a vibrant, hearty meal packed with bold, Southwest-inspired tastes that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Perfect for summer potlucks, backyard BBQs, or even a quick weeknight dinner, this crowd-pleasing favorite disappears faster than a tumbleweed in a dust storm!

Looking for more ways to wow your guests with pasta salads? Don’t miss our Italian Pasta Salad, creamy Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, and the elegant Tortellini Pasta Salad!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Pasta Salad rides in to steal the show with its irresistible combination of ingredients and vibrant flavors. Here’s why it’s about to become your new go-to:

• Bold, Zesty Flavor: Forget bland pasta salads! Our Southwest-inspired dressing, made with just three ingredients (olive oil, fresh lime juice, and taco seasoning), delivers a zesty kick that keeps every bite exciting.
• Crowd-Pleasing & Potluck Perfect: Loaded with satisfying ingredients like seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and colorful veggies, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It feeds a crowd, travels beautifully, and holds up well for easy entertaining.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe is incredibly versatile! Swap in your favorite protein like shredded chicken or ground turkey, experiment with different veggies, or even add some crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The flavors in this pasta salad only get better over time, making it an ideal dish to prepare a day in advance.

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Ingredients

To whip up this sensational Cowboy Pasta Salad, you’ll need:

• For the Salad:
  • 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, penne, or bowtie work best)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for tossing pasta)
  • 12 ounces frozen corn, thawed (or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated or cubed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
• For the Cowboy Pasta Salad Dressing:
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 (1-ounce) packet)
• Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready to create a flavor fiesta with these simple steps:

1. Cook the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and minced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, then toss the hot pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
3. Whisk the Dressing: In a large serving bowl, combine ½ cup olive oil, fresh lime juice, and taco seasoning. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad: Once the ground beef and pasta have cooled, add them to the large bowl with the whisked dressing. Add in the thawed corn, drained black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced red and green bell peppers, diced jalapeño, and sliced green onions.
5. Toss & Chill: Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is thoroughly combined and coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve & Garnish: Before serving, give the salad another toss. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

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You Must Know

• Cool Down is Key: Always ensure your cooked pasta and ground beef are completely cooled before combining them with the other ingredients. This prevents the cheese from melting and keeps your fresh vegetables crisp and vibrant.
• Uniformity Matters: Cut all your vegetables into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces. This not only makes for easier eating but also ensures better distribution of flavors in every forkful.
• Chill for Flavor: While you can serve this salad immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) allows the flavors to truly marry and deepen, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.

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Make Ahead and Storage

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a fantastic make-ahead option that stores beautifully!

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a good toss before serving again.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh vegetables and creamy dressing do not fare well after thawing, leading to a watery and unappetizing texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the entire salad up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, and you’ll find the flavors are even better the next day!

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Seasonal Variations

Embrace the flavors of the season or simply mix things up with these delicious variations:

• Summer Fresh: Add diced cucumber, grilled zucchini, or fresh sweet corn cut directly from the cob.
• Heartier Options: Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon bits for a smoky twist, or add roasted sweet potatoes for extra substance and sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
• Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate a wider variety of fresh herbs like chopped chives or oregano for added aroma and flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile Cowboy Pasta Salad makes a fantastic addition to almost any meal.

• BBQ Star: It’s the perfect companion to grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, or hot dogs.
• Picnic Perfection: Pack it for your next outdoor gathering; it travels well and holds up beautifully.
• Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying and flavorful meal, especially during warmer months.
• Potluck Favorite: This salad is guaranteed to be a hit at any potluck, disappearing quickly!

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No-Bake Alternative

While the beef adds a delicious heartiness, you can easily make this a “no-cook” pasta salad (aside from boiling the pasta, of course!).

• Skip the Beef: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef. You can increase the amount of black beans or add chickpeas for extra protein.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you want protein without the cooking, use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
• Grilled Veggies: Instead of raw bell peppers, lightly grill them beforehand for a smoky flavor.

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Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when tossed with the dressing and other ingredients.
• Drain Beans Thoroughly: Make sure your black beans are thoroughly rinsed and drained to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your salad before serving! You might find it needs a little extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lime juice to truly sing.
• Affiliate Links: Consider useful tools like glass mixing bowls and a good whisk for effortless preparation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I serve this pasta salad warm?

A: While we definitely prefer this salad chilled, it can absolutely be served warm or at room temperature if you prefer!

Q: What’s the best pasta to use?

A: Any pasta will work, but short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta are ideal. Their nooks and crannies do a great job of holding onto the zesty dressing and all those delicious mix-ins.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This Cowboy Pasta Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and is often even more delicious the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Q: What are some additional vegetables or mix-ins that I can add to this salad?

A: Get creative! Some popular additions include diced cucumbers, sliced olives, chickpeas, diced avocado (add just before serving to prevent browning), crumbled bacon, and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. A drizzle of hot sauce can also add a pleasant kick!

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Ready to add this bold and flavorful Cowboy Pasta Salad to your recipe rotation? It’s a guaranteed hit every time! What’s your favorite way to customize a pasta salad?

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