Salads

Cowboy Pasta Salad

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The Cowboy Pasta Salad is an explosion of bold Tex-Mex flavors combined with comforting pasta goodness. Packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh veggies, it’s smothered in a tangy, creamy Southwest BBQ dressing that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. Whether served warm or chilled, this hearty salad doubles as a side dish or a main course that everyone will love. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or meal prep, this recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful. Get ready to enjoy your new favorite pasta dish!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • For the Salad:
    • 1 lb mini farfalle or similar pasta (rigatoni or shells work well)
    • 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
    • 4 oz canned mild diced green chiles
    • 1 tsp each: chili powder, ground cumin
    • ¾ tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, salt (omit salt if using bouillon)
    • 4–6 tbsp diced canned pickled jalapeños
    • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
    • Corn kernels from 1 ear of sweet corn
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
    • ¼ small red onion, chopped
    • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • ½ lb thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • For the Dressing:
    • ⅓ cup ketchup
    • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
    • ⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
    • ¼ cup medium salsa
    • 1½ tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ tsp each: smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
    • Hot sauce to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Adjust heat or sweetness with hot sauce or brown sugar. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente per package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain. Toss with half of the dressing in a large serving bowl.
  3. Prepare the Ground Meat: Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding green chiles and spices. Drain excess grease. Allow to cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Combine pasta, cooked ground beef, and all remaining salad ingredients except bacon. Add the desired amount of dressing and mix gently.
  5. Serve: Stir in the bacon if serving immediately. Otherwise, chill the salad and add bacon just before serving. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 375 kcal | Servings: 10–12

Cowboy Pasta Salad: A Tex-Mex Twist on Comfort Food

Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate blend of comfort and bold Tex-Mex flavors. This hearty dish brings together the richness of juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese with the freshness of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and zesty green bell peppers. Tossed in a tangy Southwest-style BBQ dressing, it’s a recipe that effortlessly bridges the gap between a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite and a fulfilling main course.

What Makes Cowboy Pasta Salad Special?

The charm of Cowboy Pasta Salad lies in its versatility and robust flavor profile. This dish isn’t just your average pasta salad; it’s a Tex-Mex masterpiece loaded with layers of flavors and textures. The smoky, tangy dressing binds all the ingredients together, creating a harmonious medley of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements.

The combination of ingredients is where this salad truly shines. The hearty base of pasta provides a comforting canvas, while the fresh vegetables and herbs bring a light, crisp contrast. Adding pickled jalapeños elevates the flavor with a hint of tangy heat, and the crispy bacon adds a touch of indulgence that no one can resist. Whether served warm or chilled, this pasta salad adapts beautifully to various serving styles and occasions.

Versatility for Any Occasion

Cowboy Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a flexible meal that can be tailored to suit a variety of occasions. Hosting a summer barbecue? This salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats. Need a quick and hearty dish for a potluck or picnic? Its make-ahead-friendly nature makes it an ideal choice. It can even stand alone as a main course, especially when served warm for a cozy weeknight dinner.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how well it adapts to different preferences and dietary needs. Ground turkey can easily replace beef for a leaner option, or you can load it up with extra veggies to create a vegetarian-friendly version. The dressing can be adjusted for heat, tanginess, or sweetness, allowing you to make it uniquely yours.

The Heart of Tex-Mex Flavors

The inspiration for Cowboy Pasta Salad comes from classic Tex-Mex cuisine, which is known for its bold and dynamic flavors. The smoky paprika, tangy apple cider vinegar, and touch of brown sugar in the dressing create a depth of flavor reminiscent of a backyard barbecue. The addition of salsa and jalapeños amplifies the Southwestern vibe, making this salad a celebration of regional culinary traditions.

Every bite offers a balance of creamy, zesty, and spicy notes, ensuring that the dish is never boring. The freshness of cilantro and the crunch of sweet corn and cherry tomatoes provide a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy dressing, giving the salad a light yet satisfying feel.

Meal Prep-Friendly and Perfect for Leftovers

If you’re a fan of meal prepping, Cowboy Pasta Salad will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Many of the components, including the pasta, dressing, and cooked beef, can be prepared in advance and stored separately. This allows you to assemble the salad quickly when needed, saving you time without compromising on flavor.

This recipe is also great for leftovers. While most pasta salads tend to dry out in the fridge, this one retains its flavor and texture beautifully, thanks to the rich dressing. Simply give it a quick toss with a little extra dressing or olive oil to refresh it before serving. For an added twist, try reheating it slightly for a warm and comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While Cowboy Pasta Salad is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. For a classic Tex-Mex feast, serve it alongside dishes like grilled steak, barbecue ribs, or Nashville hot chicken. For a lighter pairing, consider a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables.

For beverages, a refreshing iced tea or a zesty margarita complements the flavors of this salad perfectly. If you’re serving it at a casual gathering, consider offering a selection of hot sauces and fresh lime wedges for guests to customize their plates.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating a dish that brings people together. The bold flavors and colorful presentation make Cowboy Pasta Salad a standout addition to any table, while its simplicity ensures that even novice cooks can prepare it with confidence.

What’s more, this dish invites creativity. Want to add a smoky kick? Toss in some chipotle peppers. Craving more creaminess? Stir in some avocado or an extra dollop of sour cream. The possibilities are endless, making it a recipe that evolves with your preferences.

A Crowd Favorite with a Southwest Twist

At its core, Cowboy Pasta Salad is a dish that embodies the best of Southwest-inspired comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with textures that keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re introducing it at a family gathering, serving it as a weekday dinner, or prepping it for a week of lunches, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Conclusion:

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a testament to the beauty of Tex-Mex cuisine, combining bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures in one dish. It’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, making it a must-have for your next gathering or weeknight meal plan. With its easy preparation and ability to please even the pickiest eaters, this salad proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

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