Go Back
Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe (Perfect for Summer Picnics!)

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Are you ready to take your summer picnics and potlucks to the next level? The Cowboy Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to impress your friends and family with its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and hearty ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cowboy Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or canned
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
  • Serving spoon for tossing and serving the salad

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables: chop the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper and red onion, and rinse and drain the black beans and corn kernels.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss until evenly distributed.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
  6. Step 6: You can serve the Cowboy Pasta Salad immediately, or for best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Notes

Consider adding the cheese just before serving to maintain its texture. This salad can be made ahead of time; letting it sit in the refrigerator enhances the flavors.