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Home » 30 Minute Meals » Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

August 9, 2020 by Melissa 2 Comments

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This kicked-up pasta salad doubles as a side dish or an entrée #cowboypastasalad #pastasaladrecipes #pasta #easygroundbeefrecipes #beef #sidedishrecipes #dinner #cowboypasta #bowtiepasta #southernfood #southernrecipesThis kicked-up pasta salad doubles as a side dish or an entrée #cowboypastasalad #pastasaladrecipes #pasta #easygroundbeefrecipes #beef #sidedishrecipes #dinner #cowboypasta #bowtiepasta #southernfood #southernrecipes

This colorful Cowboy Pasta Salad is guaranteed to bring the flavor to your pasta salads menu. It’s so hearty, it can double as a side dish or an entree.

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is another one of our favorite recipes that does double duty. Like my uber popular chicken bacon ranch layer salad and BLT layered pasta salad all of which can make a complete meal themselves. Trifles are a sort of edible centerpiece, that always looks stunning on the table regardless of the type of gathering, Be it a casual game day soiree, or a holiday event.

Step-by-step preparation images and ingredients for cowboy pasta salad

Helpful Hints for Making Cowboy Pasta Salad

  • Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list, as the ingredients aren’t difficult to find and, you’re making the dressing homemade as well.
  • The dressing for this salad has a bit of a spicy-sweet vibe but, not too sweet. The barbecue sauce lends some smokey notes to the mayo and can be adjusted depending on the brand you use.
  • The dressing may also be prepared in advance and chilled until assembling.
  • I love making this dish with bow tie pasta but, of course, you may use your favorite pasta in the same amount.
  • If you prefer, pinto beans may be used in place of black beans.
  • I recommend that you wait until the very end to adjust salt. The dressing mix and taco seasoning will likely have ample. Adjust to your own taste.
  • You can also garnish this salad with crushed Fritos or tortilla chips just before serving.

 

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Other Cowboy Recipes to Enjoy

I must admit, I’m a real pushover for anything dubbed “cowboy.” These recipes remain on a regular rotation on our dinner and appetizers menu.

  • Cowboy Spaghetti
  • Cowboy Queso
  • Cowboy Caviar
  • You may also enjoy these slow cooker Cowboy Beans from Mom on Timeout

Cowboy Pasta Salad in a bowl

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

  • Pasta Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rotary Cheese Grater

 

Cowboy Pasta Salad
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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Chill time2 hrs
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cowboy-pasta-salad, pasta-salad-recipes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb bow tie pasta cooked to al dente
  • 1/2 lb bacon cooked and diced reserve 3 Tbsp drippings
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper (or green bell pepper) seeded and diced
  • 1 14.5 oz can sweet corn drained
  • 1 14.5 oz black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups shredded colby-jack, cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro may adjust to taste (optional)
  • Dressing:
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise
  • 1 8 oz sour cream
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (i.e. Sweet Baby Ray's or your favorite)
  • 1 1.0 oz packet dry Ranch dressing mix
  • 1 1.0 oz packet taco seasoning

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente per the package instructions. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, fry bacon until crisp over medium-high heat. Remove using a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, then dice. Reserve 3 Tbsp drippings in skillet.
  • Add ground beef and diced onion to drippings. Cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains, drain excess fat from pan.
  • In an extra large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta, ground beef, bacon, cherry tomatoes, green onions, jalapeno, shredded cheese, corn, black beans and cilantro.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning. Whisk until fully combined. (This can be done in advance and chilled until assembling.)
  • Add dressing to salad. Mix well. Taste and adjust salt, if needed.
  • Place into an airtight container and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • Store chilled in an air tight container.

Notes

  • I recommend that you wait until the very end to adjust salt. The dressing mix and taco seasoning will likely have ample. Adjust to your own taste.
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
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Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Appetizers & Snacks, Beef, Holiday, Main Dish, Party Food, Pizza & Pasta, Southern Comfort Food, Sumptuous Sides Tagged With: bow tie pasta, cowboy pasta, Cowboy Pasta Salad, easy ground beef recipes, easy pasta recipes, pasta, pasta salad recipes, taco pasta

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Hi, thanks for stopping by to visit my website My name is Melissa! I’m a busy Mom, author, recipe developer, photographer, food writer and blogger. I’m passionate about creating delicious dishes to share with family and friends! Read more...

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Comments

  1. Linda Devine says

    August 9, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    I’m trying the Mediterranean Penne Pasta salad. I love Kalamata olives

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      August 9, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Good choice!

      Reply

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hello,my name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.

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