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Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe

Cowboy Pasta Salad Recipe
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4.9 from 18 reviews

This Cowboy Pasta Salad recipe is a flavorful twist on classic pasta salad, featuring bold and hearty ingredients that make it perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or quick weeknight meals. Loaded with fresh flavors, this crowd-pleasing dish is sure to be a hit and disappear fast!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

  • 16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
  • 1 small yellow onion, minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 16 ounces dry pasta, such as rotini
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning or (1) 1 oz packet

Additional Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces frozen corn, thawed, or (1) 15 ounce can, drained
  • 15 ounce can black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces), grated or cubed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Toss with olive oil and set aside.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning.
  4. Assemble: Combine pasta, ground beef, corn, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and green onions.
  5. Toss: Mix everything together until well combined.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Storage Information: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Toss before serving.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to fresh ingredients.
  • Make Ahead: Can be made up to a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/cowboy-pasta-salad-recipe/