Dinner

Cowboy Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and a Smokey BBQ Dressing Recipe

Name: Cowboy Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and a Smokey BBQ Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 Head Romaine Lettuce, chopped; 15 oz Black Beans, drained; 15 oz Black-Eyed Peas, drained; 1 Cup Frozen Corn, thawed and drained; 6 Slices Bacon, cooked and chopped; 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved; 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded; 1 Avocado, chopped; 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped; 1 Jalapeno, seeded and minced; 1/2 Red Onion, diced; 1 Handful Cilantro, chopped; 1 Cup Mayonnaise; 1/2 Cup Smokey Sweet BBQ Sauce; 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard; 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce; 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice

ByMatteo Rossi March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines fresh vegetables, beans, and smoky bacon for a satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for quick gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner. The tangy dressing ties all the bold flavors together beautifully.

A clear glass bowl filled with layered salad is set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is green leafy lettuce, topped with scattered black olives and mixed beans in light brown and pinkish shades. Above that, there is a layer of bright yellow corn with some char marks and small bits of red tomato. Next, evenly spread pieces of diced light green avocado mix with finely chopped purple onions and small red bell pepper cubes. Thin slices of cucumber form a semi-circle on one side of the bowl, while fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled throughout. Crispy bits of reddish-brown bacon are placed mainly on top near the front. A creamy light beige dressing is being poured from a glass bottle held by a woman's hand, gently drizzling over the salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head lettuce (Romaine, chopped)
15 oz black beans (drained)
15 oz black-eyed peas (drained)
1 cup corn (frozen, thawed and drained)
6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 avocado (chopped)
1 bell pepper (red, chopped)
1 jalapeno (seeded and minced)
1/2 red onion (diced)
1 handful cilantro (chopped)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup smoky sweet BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, smoky sweet BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss together chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, avocado, red bell pepper, minced jalapeno, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Add the dressing to the salad to taste, gently toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped tortilla chips or tortilla strips just before serving.
Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a little more spice.
If you prefer, use grilled chicken or steak to make the salad more filling.
Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your heat preference, or omit it for a milder version.

Storage

Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. When reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so simply toss with fresh dressing before serving again.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful layered salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is shredded green lettuce, topped with a mix of chopped green cucumbers, black olives, pink beans, sliced cucumbers, and yellow grilled corn. There are diced red bell peppers, purple onions, and small pieces of crispy brown bacon scattered on top. Fresh green cilantro leaves are spread throughout the salad. A woman's hand is pouring a creamy, light tan dressing over the center of the salad from a glass bottle. The salad looks fresh and vibrant, with many small pieces creating a rich texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, the salad ingredients can be prepped in advance, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What can I substitute if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

You can use any smoky or sweet barbecue-style sauce or replace it with a combination of ketchup and a little smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.