Introduction

Cowboy pasta salad is a fun, hearty dish that combines a variety of fresh ingredients with a bold and creamy dressing. With its combination of pasta, crispy bacon, cheese, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a family dinner. Lina Vexley created this cowboy pasta salad to be a crowd-pleaser, featuring layers of texture and flavors that bring together a perfect balance of smokiness, creaminess, and tang. It’s a dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious, providing a great option for both casual and festive occasions.

Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

Cowboy Pasta Salad

This hearty pasta salad is packed with bacon, cheese, vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it the perfect dish for any gathering.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Large Bowl
Skillet

Ingredients

2 cups Pasta (rotini or penne)
4 slices Bacon
1 cup halved Cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup Sweet corn
1/4 cup finely chopped Red onion
1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Sour cream
2 tablespoons Ranch dressing
1 tablespoon Lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped Cilantro
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool slightly.
While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, crumble it, and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately. This salad can be stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving for better flavor.

Notes

For an extra kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Keyword BBQ Salad, Cowboy Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad

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How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside to cool slightly. This will serve as the base of the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, crumble it into small pieces, and set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. These ingredients will create the foundation for your salad, offering a variety of textures and flavors.

Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing will bring all the ingredients together.