Best 2 Cowboy Salad Aka Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipes

Calling all salad enthusiasts and pasta lovers! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Cowboy Salad, also known as the sensational Southwestern Pasta Salad. This dish is a vibrant medley of flavors, textures, and colors that will liven up any gathering. Picture perfectly cooked pasta tossed with a zesty dressing, succulent grilled chicken, crisp veggies, juicy corn, and black beans. Topped with a sprinkling of cheese and a hint of cilantro, this salad is a fiesta in every bite.

Indulge in three variations of this delightful dish: the classic Cowboy Salad, the vegetarian-friendly Veggie Cowboy Salad, and the protein-packed Cowboy Salad with Steak. Each recipe offers its own unique twist while staying true to the spirit of this Southwestern masterpiece. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's dive into the world of Cowboy Salad. Your taste buds will thank you for this flavor-packed journey!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Southwestern Pasta Salad image

I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it's now among the most-requested dishes. -Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon salsa
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spiral or cavatappi pasta
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

Steps:

In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

COWBOY CAVIAR PASTA SALAD

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad image

The popular, Texas-inspired cowboy caviar can take the form of dip, garnish, side dish and more, but in this recipe, it becomes a complete meal, and one that's much better than anything you'd find in the grocer's deli case. Packed with vegetables, beans and pasta, and dressed in a light and tangy dressing, it's flavorful, fresh and hearty enough to feed the whole family. And it comes in at a great price, since it can be made with leftover rotisserie chicken and seasonal vegetables-although frozen and canned work well, too! In the summertime, this cold salad is perfect dinner on a sticky night and a guaranteed potluck hit. Even better, it's easily made ahead. So next time you're in the kitchen, why not put on a pot of water to boil. With a few minutes of chopping, you can rustle up tonight's-or tomorrow's-dinner!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Side Dish

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 box Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad™ classic pasta salad mix
3 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (5 slices)
1/2 cup Progresso™ canned black beans or black-eyed peas, drained, rinsed
1/2 cup frozen corn, cooked as directed on bag, cooled
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced fresh tomato
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped red onion

Steps:

Pour pasta (from Suddenly Salad box) into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
In large bowl, stir together seasoning (from Suddenly Salad box), cold water, oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, pepper flakes and salt to make dressing.
Add pasta, chicken, bacon, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomato, cilantro and red onion to dressing mixture in bowl; toss to gently coat. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Cup, Sodium 580 mg, Sugar 7 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, ripe fruit, and flavorful cheese will make a big difference in the final dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many variations of cowboy salad, so feel free to add or omit ingredients to suit your taste.
Make sure to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
Serve cowboy salad as a main course or side dish. It's also a great option for potlucks and picnics.

Conclusion:

Cowboy salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and tangy dressing, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give cowboy salad a try. You won't be disappointed!