How to make Cowboy Pasta Salad

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: Monterey Jack

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while still providing flavor.

black beans

🥗Healthier: canned chickpeas

💰Cheaper: dried beans

Chickpeas are lower in calories and provide a different texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: fresh lemon juice

💰Cheaper: bottled lemon juice

Bottled lemon juice is a cost-effective substitute.

Boil water and cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions for 12-13 minutes, subtracting 1-2 minutes for al dente texture.

Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a pan on high heat and drain off the grease.

Run cold water over the cooked pasta in a colander to stop the cooking process.

Cook and crumble pre-cooked bacon or fry regular bacon until crispy and set aside to cool.

In a bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon cumin, and salt and pepper to taste; whisk together.

Dice half a red onion and add to a large bowl.

Dice 1 green bell pepper and add to the bowl.

Cut 8 oz of cherry tomatoes using a trick with two plates to slice them all at once and add to the bowl.

Add the cooled pasta, ground beef, and crumbled bacon to the large bowl with the vegetables and dressing; mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens