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Cowboy Pasta Salad

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant, southwestern-inspired dish that bursts with flavor and freshness. This easy-to-make salad combines hearty rotini pasta with sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, zesty red onions, and protein-packed black beans. Tossed in a tangy dressing made from olive oil and lime juice, it’s the perfect side for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this colorful salad can be customized with your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal that captures the essence of cowboy cuisine. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick weeknight dinner option, Cowboy Pasta Salad is sure to impress!

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, corn, and cilantro.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with chopped vegetables and black beans.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder in a separate bowl.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently until everything is coated.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - Customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.- For a vegetarian version, increase black beans or chickpeas.- Use whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.

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Find it online: https://flavorfulside.com/cowboy-pasta-salad/