Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines pasta, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a tangy lime and taco dressing, perfect for gatherings or weekday meals.
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)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and minced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper and let it cool.
- 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.
- In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta, beef mixture, corn, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeño, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss everything together until well mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for variation.
- Use different pasta shapes like penne or bowtie for a fun twist.
- Add cucumbers or lettuce for extra crunch.
- Use pepper jack cheese for added spice.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; do not freeze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
