This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a bold, hearty twist on classic pasta salads, blending smoky southwestern flavors with comforting, creamy goodness. Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of vibrant veggies create a satisfying bite in every forkful. The tangy barbecue dressing, infused with smoky paprika and a touch of heat from pickled jalapeños, ties it all together in a flavor-packed experience.
Perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meal prep, this dish can be enjoyed chilled or warm. The combination of textures tender pasta, crunchy bacon, and juicy tomatoes ensures every bite is as exciting as the last. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something extra delicious, this Cowboy Pasta Salad is sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mini farfalle or other small pasta (rigatoni or shells)
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 (4 oz.) can mild diced green chiles
- 1 tsp EACH chili powder, ground cumin
- ¾ tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, salt (omit salt if using ground turkey and bouillon)
- 4-6 tbsp diced canned/pickled jalapeno peppers (from a 4 oz. can)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- Corn from 1 ear sweet corn
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ small red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ pound thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ¼ cup medium salsa
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (plus more to taste)
- ¼ tsp EACH smoked paprika, salt, pepper
- Hot sauce/Tabasco to taste
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients, adding hot sauce to taste. Set aside.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Rinse with cold water, drain, and toss with half of the dressing in a large bowl.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in green chiles and spices. Let cool slightly.
- Add the beef and all remaining ingredients (except bacon) to the pasta.
- If serving immediately, mix in the bacon and desired amount of dressing. If serving later, refrigerate the salad and add the bacon and dressing just before serving.
- Serve chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 10-12
Cowboy Pasta Salad: A Bold, Hearty, and Flavor-Packed Dish for Every Occasion
If you’re looking for a pasta salad that is anything but ordinary, Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish that combines bold flavors, rich textures, and a smoky southwestern kick. Unlike traditional pasta salads that rely on simple vinaigrettes or creamy mayonnaise based dressings, this Tex Mex inspired recipe takes things up a notch by adding juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy barbecue-infused dressing that guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite.
This dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, meal prep, or even as a complete meal on its own. The best part? It can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature, making it one of the most versatile and convenient dishes to prepare. Whether you need a satisfying weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing side for gatherings, or a protein-packed meal, Cowboy Pasta Salad has you covered.
What Makes Cowboy Pasta Salad So Special?
Cowboy Pasta Salad is far from your average pasta dish. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- A Hearty and Satisfying Combination
This is not your typical light pasta salad. With ground beef and crispy bacon as key ingredients, this dish brings a hearty, protein-packed element that makes it a substantial meal rather than just a side dish. The black beans and corn add even more texture and nutrients, making it a well-balanced dish that fuels your body with essential proteins, fibers, and vitamins. - Bold Southwestern Flavors
Inspired by Tex-Mex and barbecue-style cooking, this salad is all about smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The dressing featuring a blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, salsa, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices delivers a unique balance of sweetness, smokiness, and heat, making every bite an explosion of taste. - Perfectly Balanced Textures
A great pasta salad should have contrasting textures to keep things interesting. The tender pasta provides a comforting base, while the crunchy bacon adds a satisfying crispiness. The juicy tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and creamy cheddar cheese ensure that every bite has something different to offer. - Customizable and Versatile
One of the best things about Cowboy Pasta Salad is how easily customizable it is. You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs:- Make it vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with black beans, chickpeas, or grilled tofu.
- Adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce, fresh jalapeños, or extra smoked paprika.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or cotija for a unique twist.
- Switch up the pasta—while farfalle or rigatoni works best, macaroni, penne, or rotini are excellent alternatives.
The Best Occasions for Serving Cowboy Pasta Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly practical. Here are some of the best times to serve it:
1. Summer Barbecues and Cookouts
No summer cookout is complete without a flavorful pasta salad to complement grilled meats and smoky barbecue dishes. The bold southwestern flavors and creamy dressing make this the perfect pairing for BBQ favorites like ribs, grilled chicken, brisket, or pulled pork.
2. Potluck Gatherings
If you’re attending a potluck, picnic, or holiday gathering, this dish is an excellent choice because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time. The flavors only get better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, making it ideal for events where you need a hassle-free dish.
3. Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
Cowboy Pasta Salad is great for meal prepping because it stays fresh in the fridge for a few days. You can make a large batch, portion it into containers, and have a ready-to-go meal or side dish for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to reheat slightly or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
4. Game Day or Tailgating
Looking for the perfect game-day dish? Cowboy Pasta Salad is a guaranteed hit for sports gatherings and tailgating. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to serve, whether as a side or as a filling main course.
5. Quick and Easy Family Dinners
Sometimes, you just need a simple yet satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Since this pasta salad can be served at any temperature, it’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have time for elaborate cooking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish, but there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply mix in a little olive oil or extra dressing before serving.
- Adding the Bacon: To keep the bacon crispy, store it separately and mix it in just before serving. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Dressing Absorption: Since pasta tends to soak up dressing over time, you can save half of the dressing and add it just before serving to keep the salad creamy and fresh.
- Serving Warm: While Cowboy Pasta Salad is typically served cold, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave if you prefer a heartier, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Still wondering if this dish is right for you? Here are some final reasons why Cowboy Pasta Salad deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
Packed with protein and nutrients – This salad is nutrient-dense, offering a great balance of carbs, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Bursting with bold flavors – The smoky, tangy dressing and Tex-Mex ingredients make this a flavor powerhouse.
Easy to customize – Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or looking for extra spice, you can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste.
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep, parties, and busy schedules.
Great for all seasons – Enjoy it as a refreshing cold salad in the summer or serve it warm in the winter.
Conclusion
Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of southwestern flavors and classic comfort food. Whether you serve it at a backyard BBQ, a potluck, or just as a quick meal for yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. With its rich flavors, balanced textures, and simple preparation, it’s an easy go-to recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make dish, give Cowboy Pasta Salad a try. Your taste buds and your guests will thank you!