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cowboy Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (16 oz) box of bow tie pasta: The base of the salad, providing a satisfying texture and bite.
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky, crispy element that complements the other flavors.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained: The protein-packed addition that gives the salad its hearty, cowboy-inspired feel.
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with a zesty kick, bringing the flavors together.
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained: Adds a sweet crunch and bright color to the salad.
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Provides a rich, earthy flavor and boosts the salad’s nutritional value.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced: Offers a fresh, juicy burst of flavor in every bite.
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: A generous amount of cheese brings a creamy, melty texture to the salad

Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing, giving the salad a smooth, rich consistency.
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that ties the ingredients together.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a deep umami taste, rounding out the dressing’s flavor profile.

Instructions

Directions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the bow tie pasta until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Salad Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, cooked ground beef, taco seasoning, drained corn, black beans, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Add the Pasta: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  5. Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to reach the perfect temperature.