Sharing is caring!

This Easy Pasta Salad is perfect for summer!

Cowboy Pasta Salad is going to be your new favorite pasta salad this summer. This is a hearty pasta salad that is perfect as a side dish for any cookout but also makes a quick, cool dinner when it is hot outside. Ground beef, bacon, corn, black beans, get tossed with a delicious bbq dressing and bowtie pasta.

Looking for the perfect summer dish? Look no further than this mouthwatering Cowboy Pasta Salad! Made with hearty bowtie pasta, ground beef, bacon, corn, black beans, and a delicious BBQ dressing, this dish is perfect for any cookout or a quick, cool dinner on a hot day.

One of the best things about this salad is its ease and versatility. You can throw in whatever veggies you like or even substitute the ground beef for sausage, turkey, or chicken. Plus, with options to add a kick of spice, you can truly make this recipe your own.

And let’s not forget about the flavor explosion that comes with every bite. With ingredients like bacon, corn, and beans, all tossed in a tangy dressing of BBQ sauce, mayo, and worcheshire sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Not only will your family love this Cowboy Pasta Salad, but it’s also a guaranteed hit at any get-together or cookout. Say goodbye to boring old pasta salad and hello to the star of the show! Trust us, there won’t be any leftovers when you bring this dish along.

But don’t just take our word for it. Try this recipe for yourself and you’ll want to make it again and again. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for making ahead. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness of Cowboy Pasta Salad.

I promise your whole family will love this Cowboy Pasta Salad. 

You will want to make this pasta again and again! We do!

You will love this recipe because it is

• Easy and fast.
• Family-friendly.
• Crowd favorite.
• Full of flavor.
• Great to make ahead.
• Perfect for cookout and get-togethers.

How to make this pasta salad

Q: Can I substitute the ground beef?

A: Absolutely! You can use ground sausage, turkey, or even cooked shredded chicken.

Q: What other veggies can I add?

A: You can get creative and add any of your favorite pasta salad veggies, such as broccoli, carrots, or cucumbers.

Q: Can I make this spicier?

A: Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, jalapenos, green chiles, or sriracha for a kick of heat.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed Cowboy Pasta Salad. Your taste buds and your fellow cookout attendees will thank you.

 

Ingredients used

• Bowtie Pasta – You can use any short pasta you like.
• Bacon – You can brown and crumble your bacon or used precooked.
• Lean Ground Beef – I like to use lean for this.
• Taco Seasoning – This gives this lots of flavor.
• Corn – You can use fresh, canned or frozen.
• Black Beans – Drain and rinse them, you can also use light red kidney beans.
• Cherry Tomatoes –  For a pop of color and flavor.
• Scallions – For garnish and flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – You can also use shredded pepperjack. 

Dressing

• Mayo – For the base of the sauce, I like to use Duke’s.
• BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite flavor bbq sauce.
• Worcheshire Sauce – Just for a pop of flavor. 

How to make this BBQ Pasta Salad

 

1. FULL RECIPE BELOW
2. Boil your pasta until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine the bacon, ground beef, taco seasoning, corn, black beans, tomatoes, scallions, cheese.
5. Pour the pasta on top.
6. In a small mixing bowl combine the dressing ingredients.
7. Pour the dressing mix over the top.
8. Toss all the ingredients together.
9. Chill for 2 hours.
10. Serve!

Want more Summer Side Dish Recipes? Check these out!

• Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
• Slow Cooker Cowboy pork and beans

• Bacon Pimento Cheese Potato Salad

• Deviled Egg Potato Salad
• Hoagie Sub Pasta Salad
• Creamy Macaroni Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cowboy Pasta Salad is going to be your new favorite pasta salad this summer. This is a hearty pasta salad that is perfect as a side dish for any cookout but also makes a quick, cool dinner when it is hot outside. Ground beef, bacon, corn, black beans, get tossed with a delicious bbq dressing and bowtie pasta.

Print

Ingredients

• 16 ounces bowtie pasta
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup scallions, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Dressing
• 1 cup mayo
• ¼ cup bbq sauce
• 2 Tablespoons worcheshire sauce

Instructions

1. Boil your pasta until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the bacon, ground beef, taco seasoning, corn, black beans, tomatoes, scallions, cheese.
4. Pour the pasta on top.
5. In a small mixing bowl combine the dressing ingredients.
6. Pour the dressing mix over the top.
7. Toss all the ingredients together.
8. Chill for 2 hours.
9. Serve!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can add jalapenos to this for a spicy kick.

Use your favorite cheese, pepperjack would be wonderful.

You can totally make this your own and add any other veggies you like.