Print

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a savory, satisfying dish that harmoniously blends turkey bacon, ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese with a zesty dressing. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for summer gatherings, game days, or easy weeknight dinners. The unique combination of flavors—from the smokiness of the turkey bacon to the tangy kick of hot sauce—ensures that everyone will come back for seconds. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried wagon wheel pasta
  • 1 pound hickory smoked turkey bacon (diced)
  • 3/4 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and cool under cold water.
  2. In a nonstick skillet, sauté diced turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat and cool.
  4. Whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and hot chili sauce in a large bowl.
  5. Combine cooled pasta, turkey bacon, ground beef, cherry tomatoes, and cheese into the dressing; mix well.
  6. Serve immediately or let sit at room temperature for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added spice, include chopped jalapeños or adjust the amount of hot sauce. Customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.