Description
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is packed with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, pasta, and a creamy smoky dressing—perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and hearty dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz rotini or elbow pasta, cooked and cooled
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat and cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, beef, bacon, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cheese. Toss with dressing until well coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use black beans or ground turkey as a lighter option.
- Add avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Can be made a day in advance for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-bake, Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg