Cowboy Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a pasta salad that’s hearty, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, then Cowboy Pasta Salad is the recipe you need in your life! Imagine a dish that combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, zesty ranch, and a burst of fresh veggies—sounds amazing, right? This salad brings a little bit of everything to the table: smokiness, crunch, and just the right amount of creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to make a meal prep masterpiece, this pasta salad has your back.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Pasta Salad

Bold, Flavorful Ingredients

This pasta salad is packed with bold flavors that come together beautifully. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ranch dressing, while fresh veggies like sweet corn and bell peppers add a crunch that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Cowboy Pasta Salad isn’t just for summer cookouts—though it shines at BBQs and picnics. It’s also a great side dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even packed lunches. No matter the occasion, it’s always a hit.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist

It’s a quick and easy dish to whip up, and it’s super versatile, too. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes—more bacon? Sure! Extra veggies? Go for it! The best part is that it comes together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.

Make-Ahead Friendly

If you love having meals ready to go, this salad is your friend. It stores beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days, and the flavors just get better as it sits.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base:

• Rotini or Shell Pasta: These pasta shapes are perfect for holding onto all the creamy dressing and bits of bacon. Plus, they make for easy, bite-sized servings.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon is the heart and soul of this salad. It adds the perfect crunch and flavor punch.
• Sweet Corn: Adds a subtle sweetness and a nice pop of color. You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn.
• Bell Peppers (any color): A medley of red, yellow, and green peppers adds a crisp, refreshing bite and a beautiful pop of color to the salad.
• Green Onions: For that extra little kick of freshness and crunch.

For the Dressing:

• Ranch Dressing: The creamy base for the dressing that ties everything together. You can use store-bought ranch or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Mayonnaise: Adds an extra creamy richness to the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar balances the creaminess of the ranch and mayo and adds a bit of tang to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Just a pinch adds savory depth to the dressing.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don’t forget to season properly!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set it aside to drain completely.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, crisp up your bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and crispy, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use pre-cooked bacon for convenience if you’re in a hurry.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop up your bell peppers, green onions, and prepare your sweet corn. If you’re using fresh corn, you can grill or boil it for extra flavor. Otherwise, just drain and rinse if you’re using canned or frozen.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, corn, bell peppers, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until it’s well-coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the pasta to soak up the dressing. Serve it chilled and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 8g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Cowboy Pasta Salad

As a Side Dish

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is the perfect companion to grilled meats like BBQ chicken, burgers, or steak. The creamy texture balances out the smoky flavors of your main dish.

As a Light Meal

Add a little extra protein by tossing in some grilled chicken, turkey, or even shrimp. This turns your pasta salad into a filling, complete meal that’s still light and fresh.

At Parties and Picnics

Make this dish ahead of time, and it’s the ultimate potluck or picnic dish. It travels well, and the flavors only improve as it sits in the fridge. Everyone will ask for the recipe!

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

Want to kick things up a notch? Add a dash of hot sauce, a chopped jalapeño, or even some red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

Keep It Veggie-Friendly

To make this a vegetarian dish, simply leave out the bacon and add some roasted chickpeas or crumbled feta for extra flavor and crunch.

Prep Ahead

This salad is even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day in advance. It’ll give the pasta more time to soak up the delicious dressing.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies. Cucumbers, tomatoes, or even some shredded carrots would all make excellent additions.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad without bacon?

A1: Yes! You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or try using turkey bacon for a leaner option. Roasted chickpeas can also add a great crunch.

Q2: How long does this salad last in the fridge?

A2: This salad will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving as the dressing can settle.

Q3: Can I add grilled chicken to this?

A3: Absolutely! Grilled chicken would be a great addition to make this more of a main dish. Simply cube or slice it and toss it in with the pasta and veggies.

Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A4: Sure! Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape—penne, rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni would all work beautifully in this salad.

Q5: How do I make this spicier?

A5: If you like heat, add a chopped jalapeño, some hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also use a spicy ranch dressing for extra kick.

Q6: Can I use frozen corn?

A6: Yes, frozen corn works perfectly! Just thaw it out and drain it before adding it to the salad.

Q7: How can I make this salad healthier?

A7: You can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter option, and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for less fat. You can also add more veggies to bulk up the salad without adding extra calories.

Q8: Can I make this salad without ranch dressing?

A8: You can make a homemade dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and some herbs like dill and parsley if you prefer not to use ranch.

Q9: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A9: Yes, this salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Just refrigerate and let the flavors meld before serving.

Q10: Can I add cheese to this salad?

A10: Yes! Shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or even some Parmesan would be a delicious addition.

Conclusion

Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It’s creamy, crunchy, and loaded with the perfect balance of smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and tangy ranch dressing. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a family cookout or making it your go-to meal prep dish, this pasta salad will quickly become a favorite. Make it, share it, and enjoy it—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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