Cowboy Pasta Salad (Printable Recipe)
Bold and hearty cowboy pasta salad with lime-taco dressing, ground beef, and veggies.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta Salad Base
01 -
12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
02 -
1 lb ground beef
03 -
1/2 cup diced red onion
04 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 -
1 cup diced bell peppers
06 -
1/4 cup chopped green onions
07 -
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
08 -
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
09 -
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
10 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Dressing
11 -
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 -
2 tablespoons lime juice
13 -
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
→ Seasoning
14 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with diced red onion until browned. Drain grease and season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
02 -
Prepare rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside to cool.
03 -
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning until fully combined.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, ground beef mixture, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeño, green onions, and shredded cheese.
05 -
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
06 -
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For best flavor, prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
02 -
Cool cooked pasta and beef completely to prevent melting cheese and wilting vegetables.
03 -
Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even distribution and easier eating.