Saddle up for this loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad—a hearty mix of taco-seasoned beef, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy BBQ-mayo dressing that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep! It’s protein-packed, colorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bold flavors – Taco beef + smoky bacon + zesty dressing.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
✅ Feeds a crowd – Great for parties and picnics.
✅ Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 lb bacon, cooked & crumbled
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed/drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced green onions
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
- Cook ground beef until no pink remains. Drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning + 2 tbsp water.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Taco beef
- Bacon, corn, black beans
- Tomatoes, cheese, green onions
4. Make the Dressing
- Whisk together mayo, BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
5. Toss & Chill
- Pour dressing over salad and mix gently.
- Refrigerate 30+ minutes for flavors to meld.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I make this ahead?
✅ Yes! Stays fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge.
2. Can I use turkey or chicken?
✅ Ground turkey, chicken, or even pulled pork work great!
3. How to make it lighter?
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or light mayo.
- Use turkey bacon.
4. Can I add other veggies?
✅ Bell peppers, avocado, or jalapeños add crunch and heat!
5. Is this served cold or warm?
🌡 Both! Delicious cold or at room temp.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 38g |
Pro Tips for Success
🔪 Dice veggies uniformly for even bites.
🧂 Season in layers – Taste before adding extra salt.
🌶 Kick up the heat with extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
- BBQ side dish – Pair with grilled ribs or chicken.
- Potluck star – Double the recipe for big gatherings.
- Lunchbox meal – Pack in containers for easy lunches.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a total flavor explosion—hearty enough to be a meal but versatile enough for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite!
What’s your go-to potluck dish? Share below! 👇💬
Happy cooking, partners! 🤠🎉
