Cowboy Pasta Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a fun and hearty dish that brings together flavors of the Southwest in a vibrant, colorful way. It’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or just as a filling meal at home. This salad is not only tasty but also filled with nutrients from the veggies and beans. Plus, it’s easy to make and can easily feed a crowd!

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 small yellow onion, minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 16 ounces dry rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup olive oil (for dressing)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 12 ounces frozen corn, thawed or 1 can (drained)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated or cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef and minced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then let it cool.
2. Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning to make the dressing.
4. Add the cooled pasta, beef mixture, corn, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeño, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
5. Toss everything together until well mixed and coated with the dressing.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top if desired.

How to Serve Cowboy Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is best served chilled. You can serve it on its own or as a side dish. Pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it with some crunchy tortilla chips for a complete meal.

How to Store Cowboy Pasta Salad

Store any leftover Cowboy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just give it a quick mix before serving again, as the dressing may settle.

Tips to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Make sure to let the pasta and beef cool before mixing to keep the veggies fresh.
• You can customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add chopped hot peppers.

Variation

You can turn this pasta salad into a vegetarian dish by replacing the ground beef with cooked quinoa or adding extra beans and vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. It tastes even better once all the flavors have had time to blend.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular rotini.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.