Ingredients
– 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
– 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup ranch dressing
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Cowboy Pasta Salad is a breeze if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables. Dice the bell pepper and red onion, and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, thawed corn, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, black beans, and shredded cheese.
4. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful dressing.
5. Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
6. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish: Before serving, garnish the salad with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for an additional pop of color and flavor.
Following these steps will lead you to an incredible Cowboy Pasta Salad that will impress anyone who tastes it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g