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

Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
Meanwhile, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked sausage, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, bacon, Colby Jack cheese, and black beans.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the green onions over the top.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Toss gently before serving 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