Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Pasta Salad recipe delivers bold, hearty flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for quick prep on busy days. Packed with savory ingredients and a zesty dressing, it’s an ideal potluck dish or weeknight dinner. For more satisfying pasta meals, try the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe or the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe.

Ingredients

This hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad combines smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and crisp vegetables in a tangy, creamy dressing that delivers a satisfying crunch and bold southwestern flavor in every bite.

• 1 pound dried wagon wheel pasta
• 1 pound hickory smoked bacon, diced
• 3/4 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• pinch red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 1/2 teaspoons hot chili sauce
• 15 ounce can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 5 scallions, diced

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Cowboy Pasta Salad comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and easy side dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes.

Test doneness by tasting a piece—it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue to absorb dressing later.

Step 2 — Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta cooks, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. For a tangier Cowboy Pasta Salad, add an extra splash of vinegar.

Step 3 — Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Drain any excess grease, then stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Let cool slightly.

Step 4 — Chop the Vegetables

Dice 1 large red bell pepper, ½ red onion, and 2 celery stalks into ¼-inch pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and chop ¼ cup of fresh cilantro.

For extra crunch, you can also add 1 cup of thawed frozen corn or 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained.

Step 5 — Combine Pasta and Beef

Drain the cooked pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Add the seasoned ground beef to the pasta and toss gently to combine. Let the mixture cool for 5–10 minutes before adding the vegetables.

Step 6 — Add Vegetables and Cheese

Stir in the chopped bell pepper, red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of sliced black olives if using.

For a spicier kick, include 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat).

Step 7 — Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the Cowboy Pasta Salad mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together until evenly coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.

Step 8 — Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 2–4 hours.

Stir well before serving. If the salad seems dry, add a tablespoon of milk or extra mayo to loosen the dressing.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	19g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — Lighter protein with savory flavor that still satisfies the cowboy pasta salad heartiness.
• Chickpea Pasta — Higher protein and fiber gluten-free option that holds up well with bold dressings.
• Black Beans — Plant-based protein swap adding creamy texture and southwestern flair.
• Zucchini Noodles — Low-carb alternative that absorbs dressing while keeping the dish fresh and crisp.
• Greek Yogurt Dressing — Tangy, creamy substitute for mayonnaise, boosting protein while cutting fat.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Melts nicely for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing the cheesy cowboy pasta salad appeal.
• Low-Sodium Seasoning Blends — Control salt intake while maintaining robust southwestern spice profiles.
• Quinoa — Nutrient-dense, gluten-free base alternative to pasta, offering complete protein and nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cowboy Pasta Salad with grilled burgers or hot dogs for a classic backyard barbecue meal.
• Serve alongside smoked brisket or pulled pork sandwiches to enhance your Western-style feast.
• Bring this Cowboy Pasta Salad to potlucks and picnics—it travels well and feeds a crowd.
• Top with extra crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped chives right before serving for added texture and flavor.
• For a complete meal, add grilled chicken strips directly into the salad.
• Serve in a large rustic bowl or individual mason jars for a charming, casual presentation.

This hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser any time of year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta until mushy. Fix: Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and maintain texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the pasta rinse, causing clumping. Fix: Always rinse pasta after cooking to remove excess starch and keep it separate.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad immediately, making it soggy. Fix: Add dressing just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.
• Mistake: Using bland or under-seasoned dressing. Fix: Balance flavors with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing and season generously.
• Mistake: Chopping vegetables too finely, losing crunch. Fix: Cut veggies into hearty, uniform chunks for better texture and visual appeal.
• Mistake: Forgetting to chill the Cowboy Pasta Salad before serving. Fix: Refrigerate for at least an hour to let flavors meld and improve taste.
• Mistake: Overloading with one ingredient, like beans or corn. Fix: Use measured proportions to ensure a balanced mix in every bite.
• Mistake: Using watery vegetables that dilute the dressing. Fix: Pat dry or lightly salt veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes to reduce moisture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Cowboy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it at or below 40°F for food safety.
• Freezer: Freeze Cowboy Pasta Salad in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of fresh vegetables may soften upon thawing.
• Reheat: For reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

For best quality, store dressings and creamy components separately if possible and combine just before serving to maintain texture in your Cowboy Pasta Salad.

Conclusion

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any summer gathering or potluck. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For more hearty pasta dishes, check out our Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe or Creamy Parmesan Steak & Sweet Corn Bowtie Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Cowboy Pasta Salad a day in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully when chilled overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What kind of pasta works best for Cowboy Pasta Salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne work best. They hold the dressing and mix-ins well without getting mushy. This ensures your Cowboy Pasta Salad has the perfect texture.

Can I add other ingredients to this Cowboy Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like corn, black beans, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. Customize your Cowboy Pasta Salad to suit your taste preferences.