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Cowboy Pasta Salad

A colorful and hearty pasta salad featuring ground beef, bacon, and a creamy dressing, perfect for picnics and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, ground beef, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, corn, and green onions.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

You can keep this pasta salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for spice, or swap proteins for a lighter version. Vegan options are available by using lentils and vegan mayo.