For the Best Pasta Salad, Make It Cowboy-Style

For the Best Pasta Salad, Make It Cowboy-Style

8 servings
This recipe for cowboy pasta salad features tender pasta, black beans, and a ton of veggies, all coated in a bold Southwestern-style dressing. It’s creamy, zesty, and hearty and will be a hit at your next backyard barbecue.

Ingredients

  • slices bacon

    optional

    4
  • bowtie pasta

    farfalle

    12 oz
  • salt

    for the pasta water

  • mayonnaise
    1 c
  • barbecue sauce
    2 tbsp
  • spicy brown mustard
    2 tbsp
  • taco seasoning
    2 tbsp
  • hot sauce

    such as tapatío

    1 tbsp
  • cherry tomatoes

    halved, about 2 cups

    1 pint
  • bunch scallions

    thinly sliced, plus more for garnish

    1 large
  • can black beans

    drained and rinsed

    1
  • can corn kernels

    drained

    1
  • smoked or sharp cheddar cheese

    cut into small cubes, about 1 1/2 cups

    8 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the bacon (optional): If you’d like to include bacon in the pasta salad, cook it until crisp in the microwave , air fryer , oven , or on the stovetop. Drain on paper towels and cool, then crumble or chop into small pieces. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

  3. 3

    Make the dressing: While the pasta cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, taco seasoning, and hot sauce until smooth.

  4. 4

    Finish and serve: Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, scallions, beans, corn, cheddar, and bacon, if using, to the bowl with the sauce. Toss until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Garnish with additional scallions just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Loosen with a splash of water if needed before serving. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

For the Best Pasta Salad, Make It Cowboy-Style

For the Best Pasta Salad, Make It Cowboy-Style

40 min8 servings502 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping side dish that elevates any gathering? This Cowboy Pasta Salad takes classic pasta salad to a whole new level, packing a punch of bold, zesty flavor perfect for your next backyard barbecue.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its incredibly flavorful Southwestern-style dressing, a creamy blend of mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, taco seasoning, and hot sauce. This robust base perfectly coats tender bowtie pasta and a hearty mix of black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, ensuring every bite is bursting with personality.

Prepare your taste buds for a creamy, zesty, and undeniably hearty experience. You'll find a delightful contrast between the chewy bowtie pasta, the crisp freshness of halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced scallions, and the satisfying bite of black beans and sweet corn. The smoked or sharp cheddar cheese cubes add a savory depth and textural contrast, making this side dish substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Each serving is rich and vibrant, designed to be a memorable component of your meal.

While the optional bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch, you can easily omit it for a delicious vegetarian option. If you prefer less heat, simply adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheddar cheese, like a sharp white cheddar, or even a Monterey Jack for a milder profile.

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate companion for any backyard barbecue, potluck, or summer gathering. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a standalone hearty lunch.

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