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Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad for a Flavor-Packed Family Feast

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad, a hearty meal perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1 each Fresh Lime Juice can substitute with lemon juice
  • 2-3 each Chipotle Chiles in Adobo or smoked paprika for milder flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Pasta and Protein
  • 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta or rotini/fusilli
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/lentils
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder adjust to preference
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Veggies
  • 1 each Red Onion optional
  • 1 each Red Bell Pepper optional
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
Finish
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded or substitute with feta/cheddar
  • 1 each Scallions sliced

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, add the bowtie pasta, and cook al dente for 8-10 minutes. Drain and coat with half of the dressing.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with spices until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, beef, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and other desired veggies. Add remaining dressing and toss well.
  5. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and scallions before serving warm or chilled. Garnish with cilantro or lime juice if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This salad is meal prep friendly and can be made ahead of time.

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