Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with a variety of textures and bold tastes. With a combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick family dinner. The creamy dressing complements the smoky bacon and crunchy vegetables, creating a satisfying and delicious salad that will become a crowd favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add cooked chicken breast or ground beef for extra protein.
Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Toss in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of spice.

storage/reheating

Store Cowboy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It’s best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. However, if it dries out a bit after storing, add a little more dressing to refresh the salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, Cowboy Pasta Salad is great for meal prep and can be made up to 1 day ahead of time.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the elbow macaroni with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape of your choice.

What type of bacon should I use?
Regular or thick-cut bacon works well. Just make sure to cook it crispy and crumble it for the best texture.

Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw it before adding to the salad.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, it’s not vegetarian because of the bacon. However, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together savory, creamy, and crunchy elements in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a quick dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be requested time and time again.