Description
A vibrant and nutritious Cowboy Pasta Salad that combines rotini pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, hearty black beans, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked lean protein (chicken, turkey, or tofu)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, corn, black beans, and your chosen cooked protein.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad base and toss gently to combine.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with fresh cilantro or parsley on top. Serve immediately or let chill for up to an hour.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance to enhance flavor. Consider cooking the pasta in an Instant Pot to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg