🤠🥗 Cowboy Pasta Salad – Bold, Zesty & Packed with Flavor! 🌽🫘

 

Yeehaw! Saddle up for this 🤠🥗 Cowboy Pasta Salad – Bold, Zesty & Packed with Flavor! 🌽🫘 A hearty, colorful side dish (or main!) that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with zero fuss.

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📝 Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional but awesome)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

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🌶️ Zesty Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook & Cool Pasta:
   Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.

2. Mix the Good Stuff:
   In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, onion, bacon, cheese, and cilantro.

3. Whip Up the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, and hot sauce.

4. Combine & Chill:
   Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

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🔥 Tips to Make It Legendary:

• Add diced avocado just before serving for creamy texture.
• Swap bacon for grilled chicken or chorizo for a meaty upgrade.
• Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or chipotle in adobo.

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🎉 Why You'll Love It:

• Bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite
• Make-ahead friendly & travels well
• Great as a side dish or a main course

Ready for a printable or meal prep version of this cowboy classic? 🤠📋