why make this recipe
Cowboy Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that packs a punch of flavors and nutrients. It combines fresh veggies, protein-rich beans, and crispy bacon, making it a meal that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is easy to make and satisfies your hunger. Plus, it’s a great way to use up your fresh produce and other pantry staples!
how to make Cowboy Salad
Ingredients :
- 1 Head Lettuce (Romaine, chopped)
- 15 oz Beans (black, drained)
- 15 oz Peas (Black Eyed, drained)
- 1 Cup Corn (frozen, thawed and drained)
- 6 Slices Bacon (Cooked and chopped)
- 2 Cups Tomatoes (Cherry, cut in half)
- 1 Cup Cheese (Cheddar, shredded)
- 1 Avocado (Chopped)
- 1 Bell Pepper (Red, chopped)
- 1 Jalapeno (seeded and minced)
- 1/2 Onion (red, diced)
- 1 Handful Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 Cup Smokey Sweet BBQ Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Lime juice
Directions :
- For The Dressing: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, smokey sweet BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice. Blend well until smooth and set aside.
- For The Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, red bell pepper, minced jalapeno, diced onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat all the ingredients.
how to serve Cowboy Salad
Serve Cowboy Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic dish on its own or as a side. You can add additional toppings like tortilla chips or more cheese if you want some extra crunch!
how to store Cowboy Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
tips to make Cowboy Salad
- Chop your veggies ahead: Prepping the vegetables a day before can save you time when you’re ready to serve.
- Adjust the spices: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more jalapenos or even some hot sauce.
- Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken or steak to make this salad even heartier!
variation
You can easily customize Cowboy Salad to your taste. Try adding roasted corn instead of thawed corn or use different types of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans. You could also swap cheddar cheese for feta or blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for the best freshness.
Q: Is Cowboy Salad suitable for vegetarians?
A: To make it vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly dressing.
Q: What can I serve with Cowboy Salad?
A: This salad is great on its own, but it pairs well with grilled meats or as a side for barbecue dishes.
Enjoy making and sharing this flavorful Cowboy Salad with family and friends!
Print
Cowboy Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty salad packed with fresh veggies, protein-rich beans, and crispy bacon, perfect for parties or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Head Lettuce (Romaine, chopped)
- 15 oz Beans (black, drained)
- 15 oz Peas (Black Eyed, drained)
- 1 Cup Corn (frozen, thawed and drained)
- 6 Slices Bacon (Cooked and chopped)
- 2 Cups Tomatoes (Cherry, cut in half)
- 1 Cup Cheese (Cheddar, shredded)
- 1 Avocado (Chopped)
- 1 Bell Pepper (Red, chopped)
- 1 Jalapeno (seeded and minced)
- 1/2 Onion (red, diced)
- 1 Handful Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 Cup Smokey Sweet BBQ Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Lime juice
Instructions
- For The Dressing: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, smokey sweet BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice. Blend well until smooth and set aside.
- For The Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, red bell pepper, minced jalapeno, diced onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat all the ingredients.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, best eaten within 1-2 days. Keep dressing separate if possible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg