Cowboy Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Hearty Summer Side
A bold, protein-packed salad with crisp veggies that shines at summer gatherings.
Few dishes capture the zesty spirit of summer cookouts, backyard barbecues, and potlucks better than a bold, flavor-packed pasta salad. Cowboy Pasta Salad stands out thanks to its hearty protein, smoky notes, and a medley of crunchy vegetables tossed with a chipotle-lime dressing. This recipe isn’t just a side dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings Southwest-inspired flair to your table.
What Is Cowboy Pasta Salad?
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a robust twist on traditional pasta salads, blending smoked sausage (or kielbasa), black-eyed peas, crisp vegetables, and cubes of sharp cheese with a tangy, spiced dressing. The result is a salad that’s filling enough to serve as a meal, but versatile enough for picnics, game-day parties, and any summertime gathering.
- Hearty protein: Smoked sausage or kielbasa adds depth and a savory bite.
- Zesty dressing: Chipotle chili powder, cumin, lime, and garlic create a bold southwestern flavor.
- Classic vegetables and beans: Cherry tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, black-eyed peas, and red onion offer freshness and texture.
- Customizable mix-ins: Cheese and cilantro provide creaminess and herbal brightness.
Ingredients for Cowboy Pasta Salad
The beauty of Cowboy Pasta Salad lies in its combination of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that, together, burst with flavor.
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 2/3 cup olive oil
For the Salad:
- 14 oz. kielbasa or smoked sausage, cubed
- 1 (16-oz.) box bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 (15-oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- ½ medium red onion, chopped
- 7 oz. smoked cheddar cheese, diced
How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to ensure your salad comes together perfectly for your next event.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, Worcestershire, chipotle chili powder, cumin, black pepper, garlic, lime zest and juice, and 1 tsp of kosher salt.
- Continue whisking vigorously while slowly streaming in the olive oil, emulsifying the dressing.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook one minute longer than al dente for a slightly softer texture, as recommended for pasta salad.
- Drain, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta down. Set aside to let cool completely.
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the cubed sausage until well browned and edges are slightly crisp (about 3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add to the big bowl with dressing: black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, diced cheese, cooled pasta, and browned sausage.
- Season with the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Fold everything together gently to ensure the ingredients and dressing are evenly incorporated.
- Chill and Serve:
- For best results, let your Cowboy Pasta Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to marinate and come together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—it often tastes even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is filling, portable, and incredibly flexible. The combination of protein, veggies, and a tangy dressing makes it a standout dish for various occasions:
- Perfect for cookouts and tailgates: Stands up well at room temperature and pairs excellently with classic barbecue fare.
- Meal-prep friendly: The salad holds up in the fridge for several days and tastes even better after sitting overnight.
- Highly adaptable: Swap out veggies or cheese for your favorites, or try adding beans like black beans or chickpeas.
- Bold flavor profile: The smoky sausage, spicy chipotle, bright lime, and crisp vegetables hit all the right notes.
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons
What makes this salad fun is its ability to adapt to your crowd’s preferences and what you have on hand.
- Pasta: Farfalle (bow tie) is traditional here, but wagon wheel, rotini, or penne also work well.
- Protein: Substitute grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground beef for sausage.
- Beans: Try black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
- Vegetables: Red or yellow bell pepper can stand in for orange; add cucumbers or grilled corn for extra crunch.
- Cheese: Smoked cheddar is ideal, but pepper jack, Monterey jack, or regular sharp cheddar are great alternatives.
- Spice level: Leave the seeds in the jalapeño for more heat, or skip it for a milder salad.
- Fresh herbs: If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley or green onions can work as a substitute.
What others are reading
Tips for the Best Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta slightly past al dente for tender, flavorful bites that hold up to chilling.
- Cool pasta and sausage fully before mixing to keep ingredients crisp and prevent melting cheese.
- Chop ingredients uniformly so every bite features all the flavors.
- Dress generously: Pasta soaks up dressing the longer it sits, so don’t be afraid to toss in a touch more before serving if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad shines at:
- Summer cookouts and backyard barbecues
- Family reunions and holiday gatherings
- Picnics and packed lunches
- As a hearty side for grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, or steaks
- Game-day spreads and tailgating events
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Stir gently before serving as the dressing may settle.
- If salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of olive oil to freshen it up.
- Do not freeze; pasta salads generally do not thaw well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Cowboy Pasta Salad different from other pasta salads?
Cowboy Pasta Salad is distinctive due to its combination of smoky sausage, southwestern spices, beans, and a chipotle-lime vinaigrette rather than a typical creamy or Italian dressing. The result is a salad that’s heartier, spicier, and packed with protein.
Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, letting the salad chill for a few hours (or overnight) allows flavors to meld and deepen. Just toss before serving and add more dressing if needed.
Is this salad spicy?
The level of spice is moderate, thanks to chipotle chili powder and jalapeño. For less heat, omit the jalapeño and use regular chili powder. For more kick, add extra jalapeño or some hot sauce.
What are easy protein swaps?
You can substitute ground beef, grilled chicken, or even crispy bacon bits for the sausage to fit different tastes or dietary needs.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and increase the beans or add grilled veggies for extra protein and flavor.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
Add an extra splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved dressing before serving if it appears dry after refrigeration. Serve at room temperature for best texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Calories | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 495 | 43 | 18 | 27 | 6 | 910 |
Nutritional values will vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.
Variations on Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Tex-Mex Cowboy: Swap out black-eyed peas for black beans, use Monterey Jack cheese, and stir in a handful of pickled jalapeños.
- Bacon Lover’s Cowboy: Add crispy bacon bits for an extra smoky crunch or stir in leftover pulled pork for a barbecue spin.
- Southwest Veggie: Add grilled zucchini, red pepper, and extra corn for a veggie-forward salad with all the same flavor punch.
More Cowboy-Inspired Dishes You Might Love
- Cowboy Spaghetti – Hearty pasta with ground beef and bell peppers in a smoky tomato sauce.
- Cowboy Cookie Bars – Sweet, chewy bars loaded with oats, chocolate chips, and coconut.
- Cowboy Caviar – A vibrant bean and corn salsa, perfect for dipping or as a salad topper.
- Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli – For easy weeknight dinners with a rustic twist.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Pasta Salad is the answer when you want a bold, crowd-pleasing, filling side or main dish for any summer occasion. The combination of smoky sausage, crisp vegetables, beans, and a tangy chipotle-lime dressing captures the welcoming, hearty spirit of classic American cookouts. Whether you stick to the original recipe or play with your own variations, this pasta salad will not disappoint.
Cowboy Pasta Salad FAQ
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes! While bow tie pasta is classic, rotini, wagon wheels, penne, or fusilli will all capture the dressing and mix-ins beautifully.
What cheese works best?
Smoked cheddar delivers a deep, savory flavor, but sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are also excellent choices.
How long can it sit out at a picnic?
For food safety, keep salad chilled or at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, especially outdoors in warm weather.
Is Cowboy Pasta Salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify that your sausage and condiments are gluten-free to make this salad suitable for gluten sensitivities.
References
- https://bellyfull.net/cowboy-pasta-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65079600/cowboy-pasta-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a42924351/southwest-pasta-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46990464/taco-pasta-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g39028166/pasta-salad-recipes/
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