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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Delicious Cowboy Pasta Salad for Your Next Potluck Adventure

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a flavorful, creamy Tex-Mex dish perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Mini Farfalle or Rigatoni/Shells
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey
For the Vegetables
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper or any bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup Diced Pickled Jalapeño Peppers
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn frozen or canned
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
For Extra Flavor
  • 4 slices Bacon cooked and chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Colander
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and combine until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Stir in diced green chiles, spices, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Drain excess grease.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, meat, black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and onion. Mix gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined, adjusting to taste.
  6. Fold in crispy bacon and let the salad rest for a few minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make ahead for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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