Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together al dente rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty ranch dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or casual family dinners, this salad is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table. With its colorful ingredients and easy preparation, Cowboy Pasta Salad is sure to be an instant hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from heat, drain on paper towels, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice bell peppers into small cubes, and finely chop the red onion. If using fresh corn, cut it off the cob; if using canned corn, drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon pieces, chopped vegetables, and corn. Toss gently to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and lime juice until smooth. Adjust lime juice to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg