This mouthwatering Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines tender rotini pasta with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a zesty salsa verde dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight dinners, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad comes together in just 35 minutes and delivers bold, Southwestern flavors in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in just 35 minutes, this pasta salad is substantial enough to serve as a main dish while being simple enough for busy weeknights.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for gatherings or meal prep for the week—it actually tastes even better after the flavors have time to mingle!
  • Bold Flavors: The combination of smoky bacon, spicy jalapeño, and the tangy, creamy dressing creates a flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible.
  • Versatile: Easily customizable based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences—add more heat, swap proteins, or adjust the veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Rotini pasta: The spiral shape captures the delicious dressing in every twist. Plus, its sturdy texture holds up well when tossed with the other ingredients.
  • Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and savory flavor that transforms this from a side dish to a complete meal.
  • Seasonings for beef: Salt, black pepper, and cumin bring out the natural flavors of the beef while adding a Southwestern touch.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of freshness and beautiful color contrast.
  • Cheddar cheese: Cubed rather than shredded for satisfying bites of creamy, sharp flavor throughout the salad.
  • Red onion: Offers a pleasant bite and purple-hued visual appeal.
  • Jalapeño: Brings optional heat that can be adjusted based on your spice preference—remove the seeds for milder flavor.
  • Bacon: Contributes irresistible smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.
  • Black beans: Add protein, fiber, and earthy flavor that complements the Southwestern theme.
  • Corn kernels: Provide sweet pops of flavor and sunny color to the salad.
  • Salsa verde: Forms the flavorful base of the dressing with its tangy, slightly spicy profile.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy element that helps the dressing cling to all ingredients.
  • Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
  • Spice blend: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, cumin, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and pepper creates an incredibly aromatic and flavorful dressing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to make this Cowboy Pasta Salad your own:

  • Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even crumbled Mexican chorizo for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and bacon altogether and add extra black beans, corn, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying meatless option.
  • Heat Level: Control the spice by adjusting the jalapeño and chili powder. Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
  • Pasta Options: Try bowtie, penne, or even macaroni instead of rotini. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat or legume-based pasta.
  • Add Avocado: Fold in diced avocado just before serving for creamy richness (don’t add too early or it will brown).
  • Cheese Variations: Pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can replace the cheddar for different flavor notes.

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Transfer to a large mixing bowl once completely cooled.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and cumin. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks until thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease, then transfer to a bowl and chill.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins

Halve the tomatoes, cube the cheddar cheese, dice the red onion, slice the jalapeño, and crumble the cooked bacon. Drain and rinse the black beans, and drain the corn kernels. Add everything, including the chilled beef, to the mixing bowl with the pasta.

Step 4: Make the Cowboy Dressing

In a blender, combine the salsa verde, mayonnaise, lime juice, and all the spices (smoked paprika, granulated garlic, cumin, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and black pepper). Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Cook Pasta Properly: Cook the rotini just until al dente—slightly firm when bitten. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
  • Chill Ingredients: Make sure the pasta and beef are completely cooled before combining with other ingredients to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables or melting the cheese.
  • Flavor Layering: Season the beef well while cooking—this builds another layer of flavor beyond just the dressing.
  • Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or lime juice to thin it slightly. If too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise.
  • Pasta Choice: The ridges and twists in rotini are perfect for holding onto the flavorful dressing, but any short pasta with texture works well.

How to Serve

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Main Dish Serving

Serve in large bowls as a complete meal—it has protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one dish! Add a slice of crusty bread on the side if desired.

Side Dish Pairings

As a side dish, it pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops
  • Burgers or hot dogs at a BBQ
  • Smoked brisket or ribs

Garnish Ideas

Top with any of these before serving:

  • Extra crumbled bacon
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced avocado
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they have time to meld together.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. If making more than a day ahead, consider these options:

  • Prepare all components but store the dressing separately, combining just a few hours before serving
  • Reserve half the dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing during storage

Refreshing Leftovers

If the pasta salad seems dry after being refrigerated, add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of mayonnaise and toss well to refresh the creaminess.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Cowboy Pasta Salad vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and bacon, and consider adding extra black beans, roasted vegetables, or even plant-based meat alternatives for protein. The dressing and other components are already packed with flavor, so you won’t miss the meat.

  2. How spicy is this pasta salad?

    As written, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level. The spiciness comes primarily from the jalapeño and the salsa verde. To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or omit it entirely, and choose a mild salsa verde. For more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

  3. Can I prepare components of this salad in advance?

    Yes! Cook the pasta and beef a day ahead and refrigerate separately. The dressing can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Chop vegetables the morning of serving, then assemble everything when you’re ready to enjoy it.

  4. What’s the best way to transport this to a potluck?

    Transport the pasta salad in a covered container with a tight-fitting lid. If traveling more than 30 minutes or if it’s particularly warm outside, consider packing it in a cooler with ice packs. For ultimate freshness, you can also transport the dressing separately in a jar and mix it in just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a complete flavor experience! With its perfect balance of creamy, spicy, savory, and fresh elements, it’s guaranteed to become your new go-to for everything from family dinners to neighborhood gatherings. The hearty ingredients and bold Southwestern flavors create a satisfying meal that’s just as perfect for a quick lunch as it is for a potluck showstopper. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears!

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Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: salads
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a simple family dinner. Packed with rotini pasta, ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade cowboy dressing, this dish is a delightful and filling combination of bold flavors and creamy textures.

 

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 8 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn kernels, drained

Cowboy Dressing

  • 16 ounces salsa verde
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Cook 1 pound of rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef
    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 pound of ground beef. Season the beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a bowl to chill.
  3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
    Halve 8 ounces of cherry or grape tomatoes, cube 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, dice 1/2 red onion, slice 1 jalapeño (if using), crumble 4 slices of cooked bacon, and open the cans of black beans and corn (drain them both). Add all these ingredients to the large mixing bowl with the cooked pasta.
  4. Make the Cowboy Dressing
    In a blender, combine 16 ounces of salsa verde, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine and Serve
    Pour the cowboy dressing over the pasta salad mixture and stir well until everything is fully coated. Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the sliced jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
  • You can substitute rotini pasta with penne, farfalle, or any pasta of your choice.
  • This dish works well chilled, so it’s a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.
  • Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a slightly spicier variation.
  • To make the dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and bacon and add more beans or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

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