COWBOY PASTA SALAD: Your New Favorite Summer Dish to Take to a BBQ or Potluck

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.

Start by making the dressing: In a bowl, combine ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth.

Taste the dressing and add hot sauce to your preference.

Cook 1 pound of pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks; drain excess fat if necessary.

Add 1 can of green chili, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef; mix until combined and remove from heat to cool.

Chop the green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, chopped veggies, 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of cubed cheddar cheese.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well.

Add 6 slices of cooked bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens