If you love a hearty pasta salad loaded with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy barbecue ranch dressing, this Cowboy Pasta Salad is about to become your new favorite! Every bite brings together smoky, tangy, creamy, and savory flavors with the perfect combination of textures. Whether you’re preparing a summer barbecue, planning a family dinner, attending a potluck, or looking for a satisfying make-ahead lunch, this easy Cowboy Pasta Salad delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Ingredients for Cowboy Pasta Salad
The secret to an outstanding Cowboy Pasta Salad is choosing ingredients that complement one another. Tender pasta provides the foundation, seasoned beef adds heartiness, beans contribute a creamy texture, and fresh vegetables bring color and crunch. The creamy barbecue ranch dressing ties everything together into one irresistible dish.
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and backyard cookouts.
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: Spiral pasta is perfect because its twists hold the creamy dressing beautifully. You can also use fusilli, penne, or another short pasta shape.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a rich, savory flavor and makes the salad substantial enough to serve as a main dish. Ground beef with approximately 85–90% lean meat works well.
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: These add a mild, earthy flavor, extra texture, and a satisfying bite.
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels: Use drained canned corn, thawed frozen corn, or freshly cooked corn kernels for natural sweetness and a bright pop of color.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy, slightly tangy flavor balances the richness of the beef and dressing.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a vibrant red color.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a bold, tangy, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with barbecue seasoning.
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced: Their fresh, mild onion flavor brightens the salad.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish. Parsley can be substituted if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed: Use a little oil to help brown the beef if your pan requires it.
For the Cowboy Pasta Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base and helps the dressing coat the pasta evenly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy flavor that balances the mayonnaise and barbecue sauce.
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce: Gives the salad its signature smoky-sweet cowboy-inspired flavor. Choose your favorite variety, depending on whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or spicy finish.
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning: Provides familiar ranch flavors from herbs, garlic, onion, and other seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the creamy dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor and complements the ground beef.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery finish.
- Salt, to taste: Adjust according to the saltiness of the ranch seasoning, barbecue sauce, and cheese.
How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad
Making Cowboy Pasta Salad is straightforward, but a few small details can make a noticeable difference in the final result. Cooking the pasta properly, browning the beef thoroughly, cooling the ingredients, and adding the dressing at the right time will help you achieve a salad that tastes fresh, creamy, and well balanced.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Until Just Tender
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning tender but still slightly firm in the center.
Avoid overcooking the pasta. Soft, overcooked spirals can break apart when mixed with the beef, vegetables, and dressing, leaving the salad mushy instead of pleasantly textured.
Once the pasta is ready, drain it thoroughly. If you are preparing a cold pasta salad, rinse it briefly under cool running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess surface starch. Let it drain well so that extra water does not dilute the dressing.
For the best results, allow the pasta to cool before combining it with the other ingredients. Warm pasta can soften the vegetables and make a mayonnaise-based dressing thinner than intended.
Chef’s tip: Cook the pasta just until al dente rather than waiting until it becomes completely soft. The pasta will continue to absorb some dressing as the salad rests, so a slightly firm texture helps it remain enjoyable.
Step 2: Brown and Season the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. If necessary, add a small amount of olive oil, then add the ground beef.
Break the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Browning the meat properly develops savory flavors that make the salad taste richer and more satisfying.
Season the beef with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a little smoked paprika if desired. You can also add a small amount of garlic powder or onion powder to complement the barbecue ranch dressing.
For food safety, cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Drain excess fat carefully so that the finished salad does not become greasy.
Transfer the cooked beef to a clean plate or shallow dish and allow it to cool. Do not add piping-hot beef directly to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
Why this step matters: Well-browned beef contributes more flavor than meat that has simply been steamed in its own moisture. Breaking it into small, evenly sized crumbles also ensures that every serving contains a satisfying amount of beef.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Other Add-Ins
While the pasta and beef cool, prepare the remaining ingredients.
Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess canning liquid. Drain the corn if you are using canned corn, or thaw and pat dry frozen corn before adding it.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper into small pieces, slice the green onions, and chop the cilantro.
If your cheddar cheese is not already shredded, grate it using a box grater. Freshly grated cheese often has a softer, more natural texture than pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.
Try to keep the vegetable pieces relatively small and uniform. This helps distribute them throughout the salad and makes each forkful more balanced.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly char the corn in a dry skillet before cooling it. This optional step adds a roasted sweetness that works especially well with the smoky barbecue dressing.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Barbecue Ranch Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Taste a small amount and adjust the seasoning as needed.
If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a little more barbecue sauce. For a tangier flavor, add a small squeeze of lime juice. If you enjoy a stronger ranch flavor, increase the ranch seasoning gradually.
The dressing should be creamy enough to coat the pasta without being so thick that it clumps in one place. If it seems too thick, add a teaspoon of lime juice or a small spoonful of sour cream to loosen it slightly.
Remember that the flavors will develop as the salad chills, so avoid adding too much salt before tasting the finished dish.
Chef’s tip: Choose a barbecue sauce that you genuinely enjoy on its own. Since it contributes much of the salad’s signature flavor, a sauce with a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and smokiness will make a noticeable difference.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Beef, and Vegetables
Choose a large mixing bowl that gives you plenty of room to toss the ingredients without spilling.
Add the cooled rotini pasta, cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, cheddar cheese, green onions, and chopped cilantro.
Use a large spoon or silicone spatula to gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
Take a moment to check the mixture before adding the dressing. The beef should be cool, the pasta should be well drained, and the vegetables should not have excess water clinging to them.
This is also a good time to reserve a small amount of cheddar, green onions, and cilantro for garnishing the salad just before serving. These finishing touches make the dish look fresher and more colorful.
Step 6: Add the Dressing and Toss Until Creamy
Pour the barbecue ranch dressing over the pasta mixture.
Using a large spoon or spatula, fold everything together gently. Make sure the dressing reaches the spirals of pasta, coats the beef crumbles, and distributes throughout the beans, corn, cheese, and vegetables.
Avoid stirring too aggressively, especially if your tomatoes are very ripe. Gentle folding keeps the ingredients intact and helps the salad maintain an appealing texture.
If the salad appears slightly dry, add a little more dressing. If you prefer a lighter coating, start with about three-quarters of the dressing and add the remainder only if needed.
Keep in mind that pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. A salad that looks perfectly coated immediately after mixing may become a little less creamy after chilling.
For this reason, you may wish to reserve a few tablespoons of dressing and stir them into the salad just before serving.
Step 7: Chill the Salad for the Best Flavor
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cowboy Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. An hour is even better if you have the time.
Chilling allows the barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, beef, cheese, and vegetables to mingle with the creamy dressing. The result is a more cohesive flavor, with every ingredient contributing to the overall taste.
Keep the salad refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below while it chills. Do not leave it sitting at room temperature for an extended period.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste it again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the pasta has absorbed too much dressing, mix in some of the reserved dressing to restore its creamy consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chilled Cowboy Pasta Salad to a clean serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese, green onions, and cilantro over the top.
For a colorful presentation, arrange a few extra halved cherry tomatoes and a small spoonful of corn across the surface. Keep the garnish simple so the colorful pasta salad remains the star of the table.
Serve the salad cold as a hearty main dish or alongside your favorite barbecue foods.
The finished dish should be creamy, smoky, slightly tangy, and full of contrasting textures. You should taste tender pasta, savory beef, sweet corn, earthy beans, crisp peppers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheddar in every bite.
Variations of Cowboy Pasta Salad
One of the best things about Cowboy Pasta Salad is how easily you can adapt it to suit your taste, the ingredients you have available, or the occasion. Once you understand the basic combination of pasta, protein, vegetables, and creamy dressing, there are plenty of ways to make the recipe your own.
1. Spicy Cowboy Pasta Salad
If you enjoy a little heat, turn this recipe into a spicy cowboy pasta salad.
Add one finely diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for a deeper, more complex kick.
For an even bolder variation, add chopped pickled jalapeños. Their acidity balances the creamy dressing and makes the flavors more lively.
Start with a small amount of heat and taste as you go. This is especially important if you are serving the salad to a group with different spice preferences.
2. Cowboy Pasta Salad with Bacon
Bacon is an excellent addition if you want extra smoky flavor and a crisp texture.
Cook several strips of bacon until crisp, allow them to cool, and crumble them into small pieces. Fold most of the bacon into the salad just before serving, reserving a little for the top.
Adding bacon shortly before serving helps it retain more of its texture instead of becoming soft in the dressing.
Because bacon is salty, taste the finished salad before adding any additional salt.
3. Cowboy Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
For a different protein option, replace the ground beef with grilled chicken.
Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a little salt. Grill or cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Allow the chicken to cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the pasta and vegetables.
Grilled chicken provides a lighter-tasting alternative while complementing the barbecue ranch dressing beautifully.
4. Vegetarian Cowboy Pasta Salad
You can make a satisfying vegetarian version by leaving out the ground beef and increasing the beans.
Use an additional cup of black beans, or combine black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas for more variety. Roasted bell peppers can also add depth and a slightly smoky flavor.
For extra protein, consider adding a vegetarian protein alternative that suits your preferences.
Check the ranch seasoning, barbecue sauce, and cheese labels if you need to ensure that every ingredient is suitable for your chosen vegetarian diet.
5. Cowboy Pasta Salad with Extra Vegetables
If you love fresh vegetables, there is plenty of room to add more color and crunch.
Try incorporating diced cucumber, finely chopped celery, extra bell peppers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced red onion.
Cucumber adds refreshing crispness, while red onion contributes a sharper flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing. If raw red onion tastes too strong, soak the slices briefly in cold water and drain them well before adding them.
Keep the balance in mind when adding extra vegetables. Too many watery ingredients can dilute the dressing, so pat them dry before mixing them into the salad.
6. Lighter Cowboy Pasta Salad
For a lighter-tasting dressing, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt creates a creamy texture while contributing a pleasant tang. You may need to adjust the lime juice and barbecue sauce to achieve the flavor you prefer.
You can also use lean ground beef and add extra vegetables.
Remember that using Greek yogurt does not automatically make the recipe low-carb or keto-friendly. The pasta, corn, and beans still contribute carbohydrates.
7. Gluten-Free Cowboy Pasta Salad
To prepare a gluten-free version, replace regular rotini with a certified gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, chickpeas, or another suitable ingredient.
Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions, since some varieties soften more quickly than traditional wheat pasta.
Check the labels on the ranch seasoning, barbecue sauce, and other packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. If cooking for someone with celiac disease, prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing foods, utensils, and preparation surfaces.
8. Cowboy Pasta Salad Without Beans
If you are not a fan of beans, simply omit them.
You can replace them with extra corn, diced bell peppers, or additional tomatoes. If you want to maintain the hearty character of the dish, increase the amount of ground beef or add another protein that works with the dressing.
The salad will still have the familiar combination of creamy dressing, smoky flavor, tender pasta, and colorful vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Cowboy Pasta Salad
A good pasta salad is more than a collection of ingredients mixed in a bowl. Small preparation choices can determine whether the finished dish is creamy and flavorful or watery and bland.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Rotini should be tender but firm enough to hold its shape when tossed. Overcooked pasta can break apart, absorb too much dressing, and give the salad a mushy texture.
Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the package’s suggested cooking time ends.
Cool the Ingredients Before Mixing
Hot pasta and hot ground beef can affect the texture of a mayonnaise-based dressing. Allow the ingredients to cool before combining them with the dressing.
For faster cooling, spread the drained pasta and cooked beef in separate shallow containers rather than leaving them in deep, hot piles.
Drain Everything Thoroughly
Excess water from pasta, beans, corn, or freshly washed vegetables can dilute the dressing.
Drain canned ingredients well, pat wet vegetables dry, and allow the pasta to stop dripping before adding it to the mixing bowl.
Reserve Some Dressing for Later
Pasta continues to absorb moisture while refrigerated. Keeping a little dressing aside gives you an easy way to refresh the salad before serving.
If you are preparing it in advance, this simple trick can help maintain the creamy consistency that makes Cowboy Pasta Salad so appealing.
Cut Ingredients into Bite-Sized Pieces
Large pieces of pepper, tomato, or beef can make the salad difficult to eat evenly.
Aim for small, consistent pieces that fit comfortably on a fork alongside the rotini. This improves both presentation and flavor distribution.
Balance the Sweet, Smoky, and Tangy Flavors
The barbecue ranch dressing is the heart of this recipe. If it tastes too sweet, add a little lime juice. If it seems too tangy, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream. If the smoky flavor is too mild, add a small amount of smoked paprika.
Make changes gradually, tasting after each addition.
Keep the Salad Properly Chilled
Because this recipe contains cooked beef and a mayonnaise-based dressing, it should be refrigerated promptly.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of preparation or serving, or within one hour if the surrounding temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). Store the salad in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below and use it within three to four days.
For outdoor gatherings, keep the bowl on ice or bring out smaller portions as needed. Discard any salad that has remained at room temperature beyond the recommended food-safety window.
What to Serve with Cowboy Pasta Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad is hearty enough to stand alone as a satisfying lunch, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, classic barbecue dishes, and fresh sides. Its creamy dressing and smoky flavor make it particularly suitable for casual gatherings and summer meals.
1. Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken is an excellent companion to Cowboy Pasta Salad. A simple seasoning of garlic, black pepper, paprika, and a little lemon complements the barbecue ranch flavors without overpowering them.
Serve sliced chicken alongside a generous scoop of pasta salad for a balanced, filling meal.
2. Barbecue Ribs
Tender barbecue ribs are a natural match for the salad’s smoky-sweet dressing.
The rich meat pairs well with the cool, creamy pasta and crunchy vegetables, making this combination ideal for backyard cookouts and weekend gatherings.
3. Grilled Burgers
Serve Cowboy Pasta Salad alongside beef burgers, turkey burgers, or grilled chicken burgers.
It offers a colorful alternative to traditional potato salad or fries and is easy to prepare ahead of a gathering.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob reinforces the natural sweetness already present in the salad.
Brush the corn with a little butter and season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. For a bolder side, add a squeeze of lime before serving.
5. Baked Beans
Sweet and smoky baked beans complement the barbecue flavors in the pasta salad.
Since both dishes are hearty, smaller portions of each can create a satisfying plate without making the meal feel too heavy.
6. Garlic Bread
Warm garlic bread provides a crisp, savory contrast to the cool, creamy salad.
Serve freshly toasted slices on the side for an easy family dinner or casual weekend meal.
7. Fresh Green Salad
If you want to balance the richness of the pasta salad, serve it with a simple green salad made with lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and a light vinaigrette.
The fresh vegetables and bright dressing help cleanse the palate between bites.
8. Watermelon Slices
Fresh watermelon is a refreshing choice for summer cookouts and picnics.
Its juicy sweetness complements the smoky, savory flavors of Cowboy Pasta Salad and provides a simple seasonal finish to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Pasta Salad
1. What Is Cowboy Pasta Salad?
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful pasta salad inspired by classic cowboy-style and barbecue flavors. It commonly combines short pasta, beef or another protein, black beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and a creamy dressing made with barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning.
The exact ingredients vary from recipe to recipe, but the goal is the same: a colorful, satisfying dish with a combination of smoky, creamy, savory, sweet, and fresh flavors.
2. Can I Make Cowboy Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cowboy Pasta Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish.
You can prepare it several hours before serving and refrigerate it until needed. For the best texture, consider reserving a little dressing and adding it just before serving, since the pasta may absorb some of the dressing while chilling.
If you are preparing the salad the day before, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir it gently before serving.
3. How Long Does Cowboy Pasta Salad Last in the Refrigerator?
When stored promptly in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below, Cowboy Pasta Salad generally keeps for three to four days.
Always use clean utensils when serving and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly. If the salad has been left at room temperature beyond the recommended food-safety window, discard it rather than attempting to save it.
4. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely. Rotini is a great choice because its spiral shape holds the dressing well, but you can also use fusilli, penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni.
Choose a short pasta shape that is easy to eat and sturdy enough to hold up when mixed with the beef and vegetables. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
5. Can I Make Cowboy Pasta Salad Without Ground Beef?
Yes. You can omit the ground beef or replace it with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or a vegetarian protein alternative.
If you leave out the beef entirely, consider increasing the beans or adding extra vegetables to preserve the salad’s hearty texture.
6. What Is the Best Dressing for Cowboy Pasta Salad?
A creamy barbecue ranch dressing is a popular choice because it combines the tang of ranch seasoning with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce.
Mayonnaise and sour cream create a smooth, rich base, while lime juice brightens the flavor. You can adjust the proportions to make the dressing sweeter, tangier, smokier, or lighter.
7. Should Cowboy Pasta Salad Be Served Cold or Warm?
Cowboy Pasta Salad is generally best served chilled or cool. Refrigeration allows the dressing to blend with the pasta, meat, and vegetables while helping the salad maintain its refreshing texture.
It should not be left out for long periods, particularly in warm weather, because it contains cooked meat and a creamy dressing.
8. Can I Freeze Cowboy Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Mayonnaise-based dressings can separate after thawing, while the pasta and fresh vegetables may become soft or watery. For the best flavor and texture, prepare the salad fresh or make it a day ahead and refrigerate it.
9. How Can I Keep Cowboy Pasta Salad from Becoming Dry?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it rests, so the salad may become less creamy after chilling.
The easiest solution is to reserve a few tablespoons of dressing when assembling the salad. Before serving, stir the salad gently and add the reserved dressing if needed.
You can also prepare a small extra batch of dressing, provided you keep it refrigerated until use.
10. Is Cowboy Pasta Salad Gluten-Free?
Traditional Cowboy Pasta Salad made with regular wheat-based rotini is not gluten-free.
However, you can make a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free pasta and checking that the barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, and other packaged ingredients are suitable. Careful preparation is also necessary to prevent cross-contact if serving someone with celiac disease.
11. Is Cowboy Pasta Salad Keto-Friendly or Low-Carb?
The traditional recipe is not typically keto-friendly or low-carb because regular pasta, corn, and beans contribute substantial carbohydrates.
For a lower-carbohydrate variation, you would need to replace or substantially reduce those ingredients and reconsider the dressing. Even with those changes, calculate the nutrition information for your specific ingredients before describing the modified recipe as keto-friendly.
12. Can I Make Cowboy Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
Yes. Leave out the ground beef and increase the black beans or add other suitable plant-based proteins.
You can also include extra vegetables for color and texture. Check the labels of the dressing ingredients and cheese to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
13. What Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
Choose a barbecue sauce whose flavor you enjoy. Smoky sauces produce a deeper barbecue taste, sweet sauces create a more pronounced sweet-and-savory contrast, and spicy varieties give the salad an extra kick.
Start with the recommended amount, taste the dressing, and adjust gradually. This prevents the barbecue flavor from overwhelming the ranch and other ingredients.
14. Why Is My Cowboy Pasta Salad Watery?
A watery salad usually results from excess moisture on the pasta, poorly drained beans or corn, juicy vegetables, or ingredients that were mixed while still hot.
Drain the pasta thoroughly, pat vegetables dry when necessary, and allow the beef and pasta to cool before combining them with the dressing. These simple steps help the dressing remain creamy and cling to the ingredients.
15. Can I Make Cowboy Pasta Salad for a Crowd?
Yes. This recipe is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, family reunions, and parties because it can be prepared ahead of time and served from a large bowl.
To increase the quantity, scale the ingredients proportionally and use a sufficiently large mixing bowl. If making a large batch, mix the salad in smaller portions first to ensure the dressing is distributed evenly.
Keep the salad refrigerated until serving, and set out smaller bowls that can be replenished as needed rather than leaving the entire batch unrefrigerated for an extended period.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse briefly with cool water, and allow it to cool.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and a little smoked paprika if desired. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Drain excess fat and let the beef cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: Drain and rinse the black beans. Drain the corn, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, slice the green onions, and chop the cilantro.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour the barbecue ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Fold gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Reserve a little dressing if you want to refresh the salad before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Stir the salad gently before serving. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
Hi, I’m Clara, the creator of Barakala. I love sharing simple, comforting, and delicious recipes that make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable for home cooks.
