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Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad – A Flavorful Twist on BBQ Favorites

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad brings smoky paprika and zesty lime together for a refreshing crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil or any neutral oil if preferred
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice can substitute with lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle chiles in adobo or smoked paprika for milder flavor
  • 1 tablespoon honey use agave syrup for vegan option
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt any salt can substitute
Salad
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta or other pasta shapes like rotini
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or lentils
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or regular black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder adjust according to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin leave out for milder version
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder or fresh onions
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • red onion (optional) or green onions for milder flavor
  • red bell pepper (optional) any bell pepper works
  • 1 cup black beans drained, or use kidney beans
  • 1 cup corn canned or frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, or diced tomatoes
  • Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar
  • scallions optional; can be omitted

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • small bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, chipotle chiles, honey, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with half of the dressing.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the remaining spices over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Combine the pasta, browned beef, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and any optional veggies in a bowl. Gently mix.
  5. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients.
  6. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time.

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