Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with bow tie pasta, crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy barbecue-mayo dressing. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, this salad combines the smoky, savory flavors of the Southwest with creamy textures for a satisfying meal or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Meat
- 1 16 oz box of bow tie pasta
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 15 oz can corn, drained
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Combine Meats and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled bacon, cooked ground beef, and taco seasoning. Add in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Pasta: Pour the cooled pasta on top of the meat and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined to form the dressing.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to chill.
Notes
- For best texture, cook pasta to al dente to prevent mushiness after chilling.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Ensure to rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- This salad can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for parties and meal prep.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity based on desired sweetness and tanginess.
