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Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Enjoy a vibrant Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad, a delightful blend of pasta, veggies, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or lemon juice for different twist
  • 1-2 chipotle chiles in adobo use smoked paprika for milder flavor
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup for vegan option
  • pinch kosher salt can use sea salt
Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta any pasta shape like rotini or fusilli
  • 1 pound ground beef can use ground turkey or lentils
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper white pepper is a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder distinct flavor with no substitutes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic can also be used
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin coriander for similar depth but no direct substitute
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder can swap with fresh onion
Veggies
  • 1 red onion optional; green onions can be milder substitute
  • 1 red bell pepper optional; substitutes include other bell peppers or jalapeños
  • 1 cup black beans rinse and drain; swap with kidney beans or chickpeas
  • 1 cup corn frozen corn works as a substitute
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes can work
Toppings
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese can use cheddar or feta
  • 1/4 cup scallions or chives as substitute or omit if avoiding onions

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • large serving bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and mix with half of the dressing.
  3. In a skillet, cook ground beef with seasonings until browned. Drain excess fat and keep warm.
  4. Combine pasta, meat, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and optional veggies in a bowl. Toss to combine.
  5. Pour remaining dressing over salad, toss gently, and serve with cheese and scallions on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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