Cowboy Pasta Salad

This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy ingredients. Packed with rotini pasta, lean ground beef, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes, and tossed in a creamy BBQ-inspired dressing, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Topped with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, it’s a true cowboy-style feast!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
• ½ pound lean ground beef
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to cool it down, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced green chilies, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, diced jalapeño, cilantro, and cooked ground beef . Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon , reserving a little of each for garnish if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Before serving, garnish with additional cilantro , reserved cheddar cheese , and bacon if desired.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this delicious cowboy-inspired creation!

Tips for Success

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot diced green chilies and adding more or less jalapeño depending on your preference. For extra spice, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, avocado, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a bold and satisfying dish that combines the best of hearty, smoky, and tangy flavors. The creamy BBQ dressing ties everything together, while the mix of textures—from tender pasta to crunchy vegetables and crispy bacon—keeps every bite interesting. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into this flavorful pasta salad and savor the cowboy spirit in every bite!