Cowboy Pasta Salad – Easy Dinner Recipes
A bold and hearty pasta salad loaded with smoky bacon, cheddar, and creamy dressing – a cowboy classic.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain any excess grease and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cooked bacon, ground beef, tomatoes, corn, cheddar, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.