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Creamy and Hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad

Creamy and Hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad for Ultimate Comfort

Experience the creamy and hearty cowboy pasta salad, a delightful blend of TexMex flavors that's perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: TexMex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Mini Farfalle or Small Pasta Substitute with rigatoni or shells if desired.
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Turkey For a lighter option, use turkey.
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles Adjust according to spice tolerance.
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Omit if using turkey bouillon.
  • 1 can Diced Pickled Jalapenos Adjust for desired spice level.
  • 1 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper Substitute with red or yellow bell pepper if preferred.
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse before use.
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh corn kernels recommended.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese Pepper jack for a spicy alternative.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Optional.
  • 4 slices Thick Center Cut Bacon Tempeh bacon for vegan option.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Creamy Southwest Barbecue Sauce Blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, and spices.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • medium mixing bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the pasta by bringing salted water to a boil, adding the pasta and cooking for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the green chiles and seasoning, simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Prepare the dressing by whisking together barbecue sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, meat mixture, green bell pepper, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Fold in cilantro.
  5. Drizzle half the dressing over the salad, toss gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle bacon, pour remaining dressing, and give a final toss.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best taste, prepare a day ahead. Add bacon and dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.

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