Pasta salad is a versatile and popular dish that typically combines cooked pasta with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, proteins, and dressings. It’s often served cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal option for picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings. The dish can be customized with different types of pasta, dressings (such as vinaigrettes or creamy sauces), and mix-ins like olives, cheese, or grilled chicken, allowing for endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
This Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
1 (16 oz) box of bow tie pasta
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
1 ounce packet taco seasoning
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing.
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Directions.
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, seasoned ground beef, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well-combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 8 servings