Cowboy Pasta Salad: Surprisingly Easy Recipe

When it comes to satisfying, crowd-pleasing meals that work for practically any occasion, Cowboy Pasta Salad stands tall among the competition. This isn’t your ordinary pasta salad – it’s a robust, flavor-packed creation that brings together savory bacon, seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a kick of hot sauce that’ll make you say “yeehaw!” after every bite.

Drawing inspiration from the popular Cowboy Spaghetti, this hearty pasta salad transforms the concept into a versatile dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners, potluck contributions, or backyard barbecues. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its bold flavors, but in its adaptability – serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference and the occasion.

As someone who’s tested countless pasta salad recipes over the years, I can confidently say this Cowboy Pasta Salad has earned its place in my regular rotation. The combination of protein-rich beef and bacon with fresh vegetables and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing creates a perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients Needed

What sets Cowboy Pasta Salad apart is its hearty blend of ingredients that combine to create a truly satisfying meal. Here’s everything you’ll need to round up:

Pasta Base

• 16 oz rotini pasta (about 1 pound)
• Salt for pasta water

Meat Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced

Cheese

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For precise measurements and a printer-friendly version, you can find the complete recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

Creating this delicious Cowboy Pasta Salad is straightforward, even for beginners in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps for a dish that’s sure to impress:

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to have a slight firmness as it will continue to absorb the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the bacon. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Cook the ground beef. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef thoroughly. Continue cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
5. Assemble the pasta salad. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, crispy bacon, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced scallions. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Add the cheese. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful for garnish if desired.
7. Chill or serve. For best flavor development, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately, but the flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
8. Garnish and enjoy. Before serving, garnish with the reserved cheese and additional sliced scallions if desired.

For a visual guide through these steps, check out the accompanying video tutorial in the recipe card section.

Common Questions About Cowboy Pasta Salad

Is this pasta salad spicy?

The level of heat in this Cowboy Pasta Salad is completely customizable. As written, the recipe has a mild to medium kick that complements the other flavors without overwhelming them. The hot sauce adds a pleasant warmth rather than intense heat. However, if you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the recommended amount of hot sauce and adjust to your preference. For heat lovers, feel free to add more hot sauce or even a diced jalapeño to really fire things up!

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making this pasta salad a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If preparing more than a few hours in advance, I recommend following these steps:

1. Cook the pasta and protein components and store them separately in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the dressing and store it in a separate container.
3. Chop all vegetables and store them in the refrigerator.
4. Combine everything 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving.

This method ensures all components maintain their best texture and flavor.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

While I recommend rotini because its spirals hold the dressing beautifully, you can substitute other medium-sized pasta shapes with ridges or curves. Farfalle (bow ties), fusilli, penne, or even medium shells work well. Avoid long pasta types like spaghetti or linguine, as they don’t mix as easily with the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and ground beef. You can add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, black beans, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want to maintain that protein component. The dressing and other ingredients provide plenty of flavor on their own.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

As a Main Dish: Thanks to the hearty combination of pasta, beef, and bacon, this salad stands confidently as a complete meal. Serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.

As a Side Dish: This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, burgers, or chicken. It’s also perfect alongside pulled pork or brisket for a true Western-themed meal.

For Potlucks and Gatherings: The substantial nature of this pasta salad makes it ideal for potluck contributions. It travels well, doesn’t require reheating, and actually improves in flavor as it sits (within reason).

For the best flavor experience, serve this pasta salad at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, I recommend taking it out about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Proper Storage

To keep your Cowboy Pasta Salad tasting its best for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop during this time, though the pasta may absorb more of the dressing.

Refreshing Leftovers: If the pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration, toss it with a small amount of additional dressing (a simple mix of mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and a splash of hot sauce works perfectly). This will revive the creamy texture.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will deteriorate when thawed.

Make-Ahead Components: If you want to prepare elements in advance, you can cook the pasta, bacon, and beef up to 2 days ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about Cowboy Pasta Salad is how adaptable it is. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

Southwest Style: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans, diced avocado, and substitute Mexican-blend cheese for the cheddar.

Smokehouse Version: Use smoked gouda instead of cheddar and add some diced smoked sausage along with (or instead of) the ground beef.

Ranch Lover’s Remix: Replace half the mayonnaise with ranch dressing for an extra layer of tangy flavor.

Summer Garden: Add diced bell peppers, cucumber, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a more vegetable-forward version.

Creamy Buffalo: Substitute buffalo sauce for the hot sauce and add crumbled blue cheese for a buffalo chicken-inspired twist.

Why This Cowboy Pasta Salad Works

After testing and refining this recipe multiple times, I’ve identified what makes this particular pasta salad so successful:

1. Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory meats, fresh vegetables, sharp cheese, and tangy-spicy dressing creates a perfect flavor harmony that hits all the taste receptors.
2. Textural Contrast: From the al dente pasta to the crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing, every bite offers a pleasing mix of textures.
3. Meal-Worthy Substance: Unlike lighter pasta salads that serve primarily as sides, this cowboy version is substantial enough to satisfy as a complete meal.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The familiar ingredients and comforting flavor profile make this a hit with both adults and kids alike, while still being interesting enough for more adventurous eaters.
5. Versatility: The ability to serve this dish warm, at room temperature, or chilled makes it perfect for any season or occasion.

More Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this Cowboy Pasta Salad, you might also want to try these other crowd-pleasing pasta salad recipes:

• Classic Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
• Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
• Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Each of these recipes brings its own unique flavor profile to the table while maintaining that perfect pasta salad balance of textures and tastes.

I hope you enjoy this Cowboy Pasta Salad as much as my family and friends do! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations – be sure to leave a comment below.

Happy cooking!