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Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 61 reviews

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty cold pasta salad perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. Featuring fusilli pasta mixed with fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, black beans, sweet corn, and red onions, all tossed in a zesty balsamic or Italian vinaigrette dressing. This salad combines fresh vegetables and protein-packed beans, making it a satisfying and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

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Pasta

  • 2 cups fusilli pasta (uncooked)

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 medium cucumber (diced)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (diced – mixed colors)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing (balsamic or Italian)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking and cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, drained black beans, sweet corn, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Add dressing: Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, enhancing the taste and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute fusilli with other short pasta types like rotini or penne.
  • For added protein, grilled chicken or cooked bacon bits can be included.
  • If fresh corn is not available, canned or frozen corn works well after draining or thawing.
  • Adjust the vinaigrette amount based on your preference for dressing intensity.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.

Keywords: Cowboy Pasta Salad, pasta salad, fusilli pasta, black bean salad, summer salad, picnic recipe, vegetarian pasta salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/cowboy-pasta-salad-recipe/