
🤠 Cowboy Pasta Salad: The Ultimate BBQ Side Dish
If you’re looking for a pasta salad that kicks like a bronco and satisfies like a home-cooked ranch meal, Cowboy Pasta Salad is your new go-to! Loaded with hearty ground beef, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch dressing kick, this bold dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or any time you want to bring a taste of the wild west to your table.
📝 Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Protein
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Cook the bacon separately until crispy, then crumble.
3. Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, bacon, corn, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
4. Dress and Toss
Add ranch dressing and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until fully coated and well combined.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
⏱️ Time & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (approximate)
🌽 Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Hearty enough for a main dish
- Perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors
- Crowd-pleaser for summer cookouts and potlucks
- Quick to prep and make-ahead friendly
💡 Tips & Variations
- Swap rotini for penne or bowtie pasta if desired.
- Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Sub in ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Add black beans or avocado for a Tex-Mex twist.