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Cowboy Pasta Salad with the BEST Dressing!

Cowboy Pasta Salad with the BEST Dressing!
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Cowboy Pasta Salad with the BEST Dressing is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef, zesty black beans, sweet corn, and colorful veggies in a creamy southwest barbecue dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or easy weeknight dinners, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound mini farfalle or other small pasta such as rigatoni or shells
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 (4 oz.) can mild diced green chiles
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp onion powder
  • 4–6 tablespoons diced canned/pickled jalapeno peppers
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Corn from 1 ear sweet corn
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 small red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • Hot sauce/Tabasco to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Add Tabasco to taste and set aside.
  2. Cook pasta just until al dente according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain. Add to a large serving bowl and toss with half of the dressing.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meat until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease, then stir in diced green chiles and spices. Set aside to cool while you chop your veggies.
  4. Add beef and all remaining salad ingredients to the pasta except bacon.
  5. If serving immediately, mix in bacon and stir in desired amount of dressing. If not serving immediately, hold bacon and dressing; add when ready to serve.
  6. Enjoy your Cowboy Pasta Salad slightly chilled, at room temperature, or heated through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easykitchenlove.com/cowboy-pasta-salad-with-the-best-dressing/