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If you crave a crowd-pleaser that combines bold flavors with hearty comfort, this Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. It’s a vibrant, colorful medley of smoky bacon, crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheddar, all tossed in a tangy, zesty dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this salad balances freshness with a smoky, savory kick that truly celebrates the spirit of the Southwest in every bite.

Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe are simple but play essential roles, creating a well-rounded dish packed with texture, flavor, and that irresistible color pop. Each component, from the crunchy bell peppers to the creamy ranch-based dressing, contributes something delightful that makes every forkful exciting.

8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta: The perfect base providing a tender, slightly chewy texture that holds the dressing well.
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips): Adds smoky, savory crunch that instantly transforms this salad into something special.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy melt-in-your-mouth quality that pairs beautifully with the veggies.
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper: Offers a sweet, crisp bite and vibrant red color for eye appeal.
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper: Adds fresh, grassy flavor and a subtle crunch to balance the richness.
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild bite with a hint of sweetness, lifting the overall flavor profile.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy pops of sweetness that bring freshness and juicy contrast.
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts protein and texture with a subtle earthiness.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Adds a bright, herbal note that finishes the salad with a refreshing lift.
1 cup ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy base that delivers familiar comfort and smoothness.
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (adjust to taste): Infuses smoky sweetness and character, essential for that cowboy flair.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings gentle heat and complexity to the dressing.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a balancing tang that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the fresh onions, rounding out the dressing’s flavor.

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni or rotini pasta until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and rinse under cold water. This step is crucial to stop the cooking process and avoid mushy pasta, plus it prepares the noodles to soak up the dressing beautifully.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, and optional fresh cilantro. This is when the salad starts coming to life with all those vibrant colors and textures mingling happily.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

Next, in a smaller bowl, whisk ranch dressing with barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The dressing is key to that signature Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe taste, packing creamy, tangy, and smoky layers of flavor that tie the whole salad together.

Step 4: Toss Salad with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then gently toss everything together. Be sure every bite gets coated with that luscious sauce, melding the ingredients into a perfectly cohesive salad.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to really marry, enhancing the depth and complexity of the Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe and making every mouthful richer and more satisfying.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a gentle stir once chilled, then serve it up chilled for a refreshing taste experience that shines brightest on warm days or as a hearty side to your favorite grilled mains.

How to Serve Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or extra shredded cheddar on top just before serving to add a pop of freshness and a touch more color. A small drizzle of barbecue sauce or a few crumbled cooked bacon pieces also make charming, tasty garnishes that delight the eye and palate alike.

Side Dishes

This Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe pairs amazingly well with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or steak, perfectly complementing those smoky flavors. It’s also fantastic alongside cornbread or baked beans for a full, hearty barbecue feast that satisfies any appetite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in mini Mason jars for individual portions at picnics or parties, allowing guests to grab and go effortlessly. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to show off the colorful ingredients—or scoop it into bell pepper halves for edible bowls that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it stays well chilled to maintain freshness and keep the textures crisp and flavorful.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing tends to alter the texture of the pasta and vegetables and can cause the dressing to separate, affecting the overall flavor and mouthfeel.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If you need to bring it to room temp, simply let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving; this helps enhance the flavors without losing its refreshing quality.

FAQs

Can I make this Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To keep it vegan, swap the bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas, replace cheddar cheese with plant-based cheese, and use a vegan ranch dressing. You’ll keep the same bold flavors with those simple ingredient swaps.

What kind of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the dressing and bits of bacon and veggies nicely. Feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes, but choose something that won’t get lost in the mix.

How long can I prepare the salad before serving?

You can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated—the flavors deepen and the salad tastes even better after some time.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add corn kernels, diced cucumber, or even jalapeño for a spicy kick. The Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe is versatile, so customizing it to your preference is part of the fun.

Is the salad suitable for outdoor picnics or barbecues?

Yes! It’s a perfect picnic or barbecue side because it travels well if kept chilled and offers a refreshing yet hearty counterpoint to grilled dishes. Just keep it in a cooler to maintain freshness during transport.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it more than just another side dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and colorful ingredients that come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this salad stands out as a delicious, easy-to-make recipe worth trying again and again.

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Delicious Recipe

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4.4 from 44 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer cookouts or quick meals. This colorful pasta salad combines elbow macaroni with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, black beans, and a tangy ranch-barbecue dressing, all tossed together and chilled for a refreshing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad

8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Dressing

1 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, and chopped cilantro if using. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir, then serve it cold as a delicious side dish or light meal. Enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.
The salad can be prepared a day in advance for better flavor.
Adjust barbecue sauce amount based on preferred sweetness and tanginess.
Rinse pasta under cold water thoroughly to prevent clumping and cool it quickly.
Add avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or spiciness if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American