Rustic Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe: A Hearty Western Delight

Rustling up a delightful cowboy pasta salad brings zesty southwestern flavors right to your dinner table.

Colorful ingredients dance together in a medley of textures and tastes.

Ranch dressing adds creamy smoothness to every bite.

Crisp corn kernels and tender black beans create a perfect balance of heartiness.

Smoky bacon crumbles provide that irresistible salty crunch you’ll adore.

Southwest spices weave magic through each forkful of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Jump into this culinary adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Bow Tie Pasta: A fun and hearty pasta shape that holds dressing and ingredients well.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that adds a savory flavor to the salad.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty dimension.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a creamy and tangy texture.

• Corn, Black Beans: Hearty ingredients that provide additional texture and nutritional value.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Scallions: Fresh vegetables that add brightness and crispness to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: Blend of spices that gives the ground beef a zesty southwestern flavor.
• Mayonnaise, Barbecue Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Creamy and tangy combination that creates a rich and flavorful dressing.

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad in Easy Steps

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and sprinkle in taco seasoning, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Remove from heat and let it cool down.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Bacon

Fry bacon in a separate pan until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Chop and Prep Veggies

• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Scallions (thinly sliced)
• Corn kernels
• Black beans (drained and rinsed)

Step 5: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Cooled pasta
• Seasoned ground beef
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped veggies
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 6: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Barbecue sauce
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 8: Chill and Thrill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. Serve cold and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Perfectly Balanced Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Chill the pasta salad for at least an hour to enhance the flavor and allow ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Use freshly cooked, cooled pasta for the best texture and prevent soggy results when mixing with dressing.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a light, clean-tasting salad.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option without compromising taste.
• Select a tangy barbecue sauce to add extra depth and zesty flavor to the overall dish.

Exciting Variations for Cowboy Pasta Salad to Try

• Spicy Southwest Cowboy Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, use hot barbecue sauce, and sprinkle chili powder for extra heat.
• Ranch Style Cowboy Pasta: Replace mayonnaise with ranch dressing, add diced bell peppers, and use ranch seasoning mix for tangy flavor.
• Mexican Street Corn Cowboy Pasta: Incorporate grilled corn kernels, cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Cowboy Pasta: Swap ground beef with grilled chicken, add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and use Greek dressing for a Mediterranean touch.

Delicious Pairings for Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Pair Zesty Ranch Beer: Crack open a cold, crisp ranch-style pale ale to complement the bold barbecue and taco seasoning flavors in the cowboy pasta salad. The light, hoppy beer cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Match Smoky Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel with smoky undertones that mirror the barbecue sauce's depth. Its robust character stands up perfectly to the hearty beef and bacon elements.
• Serve Fresh Citrus Mocktail: Blend a refreshing citrus mocktail with lime, orange, and a touch of mint to brighten the salad's rich profile. The zesty drink provides a cool, tangy counterpoint to the savory pasta.

Storage Tips to Keep Cowboy Pasta Salad Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Avoid freezing this pasta salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables tend to separate and lose texture when thawed, compromising the dish's quality.
• Enjoy the salad cold straight from the refrigerator for best taste. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs About Cowboy Pasta Salad Made Simple

• What makes this pasta salad different from other pasta salads?

This cowboy pasta salad combines classic southwestern flavors with traditional pasta salad elements, creating a unique dish that’s hearty and packed with protein from beef, bacon, and beans.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids will love the fun bow tie pasta, cheesy flavor, and familiar ingredients like ground beef and corn. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce dressing adds an extra touch of flavor that children typically enjoy.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for preparing in advance. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours helps the flavors blend and develop, making it even more delicious when served.

Why Cowboy Pasta Salad Is A Hearty Flavor Bomb

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty barbecue sauce, hearty ground beef, and crispy bacon, this pasta salad delivers an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like jalapeños, different cheeses, or extra veggies to make this recipe your own unique creation.
• Perfect Party Companion: Ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, and casual get-togethers, this dish travels well and keeps everyone satisfied with its robust mix of proteins and textures.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that make this recipe accessible for cooks of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.

Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy pasta salad delivers southwestern flair with bold ranch dressing and zesty mix of proteins. Crisp bacon, seasoned beef, and colorful vegetables create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 16 ounces (454 grams) bow tie pasta

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped

Cheese and Dressing:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ounces (28 grams) packet taco seasoning

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Instructions

1. Boil bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then let cool completely.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef thoroughly. Drain excess fat and sprinkle taco seasoning, stirring to coat meat evenly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Crumble crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces. Prepare remaining ingredients: slice cherry tomatoes, chop scallions, and shred cheddar cheese.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, seasoned beef, bacon fragments, sweet corn kernels, black beans, sliced tomatoes, and chopped scallions.
5. Whisk mayonnaise, tangy barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate container until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Drizzle prepared dressing over pasta mixture. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even coating, preventing pasta from breaking.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and meld together.
8. Before serving, give salad a gentle stir. Serve chilled as a robust and zesty side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Adjust the heat level by choosing a mild or spicy taco seasoning to match your preference for bold or subtle flavors.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the salad.
• Toast the bacon slightly longer for extra crispiness, which adds a delightful crunch to the overall texture of the dish.
• Prepare the salad a day ahead to let the flavors intensify and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 622 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 636 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg