Cowboy Pasta Salad

This cowboy pasta salad is a hearty BBQ side dish loaded with sausage, bacon, corn, and creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and easy meals.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Cool Time10

Total Time40

Servings:

Calories: 447kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

1 box (16 oz) bow tie pasta
1 pound Italian sausage hot or mild
½ cup BBQ sauce or our hot BBQ sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard or brown mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, or graped tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) sweet corn
½ red onion diced
1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
1 cup Colby Jack cheese shredded, or cheddar
1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons green onion sliced

Instructions

In a large non-stick pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage by breaking it up and flipping it until there is no pink. Allow to cool.
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ Sauce, mayo, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, bacon, Colby Jack cheese, and black beans.
Add dressing. Gently toss until completely blended. Sprinkle green onion over the salad and store it covered in your refrigerator until ready to serve.
Sprinkle the green onion over the salad and store it covered in your refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Cook pasta al dente: Prevents mushy texture
Drain pasta well: Avoids watery salad
Let ingredients cool: Prevents dressing from thinning
Use crispy bacon: Adds best texture
Chill before serving: Enhances flavor
Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning if needed
Don’t overdress: Prevents soggy salad

Nutrition