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A vibrant bowl of Cowboy Pasta Salad with fresh ingredients and rustic flavors.

Cowboy Pasta Salad

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A hearty and colorful Cowboy Pasta Salad that brings bold, zesty flavors to your table, perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 16 ounces dry pasta (rotini recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil For dressing
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 one-ounce packet)
  • 12 ounces frozen corn (thawed, or 1 15-ounce can, drained)
  • 15 ounces black beans (canned, thoroughly rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces, grated or cubed)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 jalapeño (diced)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onion over medium heat, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain the grease and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, toss with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and set aside to cool.
Making the Dressing
  1. For the dressing, whisk together the remaining extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a large serving bowl until combined.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooled pasta, ground beef, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and green onions to the dressing. Toss everything well until combined.
Chilling
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
Serving
  1. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5g

Notes

To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For a gluten-free version, try quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Feel free to substitute ingredients such as turkey for a lighter option or different cheeses to suit your taste.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!