Name: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Salad:; 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne), cooked and cooled; ½ lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked, shredded grilled chicken; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup red onion, finely diced; ¼ cup green onions, chopped; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional); For the Dressing:; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 tbsp BBQ sauce; 2 tbsp ranch dressing; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold & Hearty: Combines creamy, tangy dressing with savory meat and crunchy veggies.
Easy to Prepare: Comes together quickly with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Gets even better as it chills—perfect to make ahead.
Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at gatherings and parties.

Ingredients

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

For the Salad:

12 oz pasta (rotini or penne), cooked and cooled
½ lb ground beef
1 cup cooked, shredded grilled chicken
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons ranch dressing
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat and let cool.
Prepare the Chicken: Grill or pan-cook chicken, shred it, and add it to the salad.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, beef, grilled chicken, corn, tomatoes, cheese, red onion, green onions, and parsley.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)

Variations

Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans or diced avocado.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and light mayo.
Vegetarian: Omit meat and double the beans or add more veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: This salad is served cold—no reheating necessary.
Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne holds up best and soaks in the dressing.

Can I use a different meat?

Grilled chicken or shredded chicken work wonderfully as substitutes.

What if I don’t like mayo?

Use Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-based dressing instead.

Can I freeze it?

No, freezing isn’t recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients.

Is this salad spicy?

It depends on your additions! Use hot sauce or jalapeños to turn up the heat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—leave out the meat and load up on beans, corn, and cheese.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Cool all ingredients before mixing and add dressing right before serving if preparing ahead.

What can I serve with it?

It pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone dish.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes! Try crushed tortilla chips or extra cheese just before serving.

Conclusion

Cowboy Pasta Salad brings together smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors in one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or just shaking up your usual pasta salad routine. Once you try it, you’ll be making it all season long!

Cowboy Pasta Salad

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Crispy, creamy, and hearty, Cowboy Pasta Salad combines savory ground beef, grilled chicken, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and tangy BBQ-ranch dressing. This flavorful dish is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or a satisfying weeknight meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized for your next gathering!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the fat and let cool.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Grill or pan-cook the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, ground beef, grilled chicken, corn, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, green onions, and parsley.
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.