Go Back
–+ servings
Cowboy Pasta Salad

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Guests

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a creamy, hearty dish bursting with vibrant flavors perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: TexMex
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Mini Farfalle or Small Pasta Cook al dente
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Turkey Or turkey for a lighter version
For the Spice
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles Adjust heat to taste
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt Consider skipping if using turkey bouillon
  • 2 tbsp Diced Pickled Jalapenos Customize based on heat tolerance
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Diced, or substitute with red or yellow
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh is best
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 small Red Onion Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Omit if not a fan
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese Or pepper jack for extra kick
For the Garnish
  • 6 slices Thick Center Cut Bacon Crumble before serving; consider vegan alternative
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Southwest Barbecue Sauce Mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and salsa

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool under cold water.
  2. Brown the meat in a skillet, adding the spices for 2 minutes after cooking.
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a bowl and adjust seasoning.
  4. Combine pasta, meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, pepper, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
  5. Add half the dressing, toss gently, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, toss in bacon and remaining dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make ahead for maximum flavor. Adjust spices and ingredients based on personal preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!