Why Make This Recipe
Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad is a delicious, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. It combines pasta with protein, veggies, and a creamy dressing, making it a well-rounded dish. This salad is easy to customize, making it great for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a quick weeknight dinner.
How to Make Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy dressing (e.g., ranch or creamy avocado)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños for extra kick
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken or beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, and green onions.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix well.
- Pour in the creamy dressing, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- If desired, add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
How to Serve Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad
Serve Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
How to Store Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If the dressing makes it too soggy over time, you can add a little more fresh dressing before serving again.
Tips to Make Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Make sure to cool the pasta before mixing to keep the veggies crisp.
- Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables or proteins to match your taste.
- Adding herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the flavor.
Variations
You can easily change this salad by using different types of dressing or adding fruits like avocados or pineapples for a sweet twist. You can also use different types of cheese to create a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great choice and adds more fiber to the dish.
Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad is excellent for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Q: How can I make this salad vegetarian?
A: To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken or beef and add more beans or tofu for protein.
Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty pasta salad combining protein, veggies, and creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy dressing (e.g., ranch or creamy avocado)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños for extra kick
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken or beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, and green onions.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix well.
- Pour in the creamy dressing, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- If desired, add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Make sure to cool the pasta before mixing to keep the veggies crisp. Feel free to swap proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg