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Cowboy Pasta Salad for Picnic Potlucks

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad for Picnic Potlucks

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser for picnic potlucks, bursting with TexMex flavor and colorful ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: TexMex
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Mini Farfalle or Small Pasta Substitute with rigatoni or shell pasta if desired.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Turkey Use turkey for a lighter option.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles Adjust based on spice preference.
  • 1 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper Substitute with any bell pepper variety.
  • 1/4 cup Diced Pickled Jalapenos Modify according to heat tolerance.
  • 1 cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes Halving enhances flavor distribution.
  • 1/2 cup Diced Red Onion Adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Omit if not a fan.
For the Beans and Corn
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse before adding.
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh corn is recommended for better flavor.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitute with pepper jack for added spice.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Creamy Southwest Barbecue Sauce Can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
For the Smoky Flavor
  • 4 slices Thick Center Cut Bacon Vegan alternatives can be used.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • spacious mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Directions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente, then cool under cold running water.
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground meat for 5 to 7 minutes, then stir in green chiles and spices for 2 more minutes.
  3. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a mixing bowl, adjusting flavors to taste.
  4. Combine the cooled pasta, meat, veggies, cheese, and beans in a large bowl, folding gently.
  5. Dress the salad with half of the sauce, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, add bacon and remaining dressing, toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Make the Cowboy Pasta Salad a day in advance for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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