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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Creamy Cowboy Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Make-Ahead Dish

Creamy Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty dish that blends tender pasta with smoky spices and fresh veggies, perfect for potlucks and meal prep.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Mini Farfalle or Small Pasta Can use rigatoni or shells
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Turkey Turkey is a lighter alternative
  • 4 oz Thick Center Cut Bacon Can use plant-based alternative if desired
For the Vegetables
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles Adjust amount based on spice tolerance
  • 2 tbsp Diced Pickled Jalapenos Use sparingly for less heat
  • 1 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper Can swap for red or yellow bell peppers
  • 1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • ½ cup Diced Red Onion Use less for subtler flavor
  • ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro Optional
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitute with pepper jack for bolder flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Creamy Southwest Barbecue Sauce Mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, and spices

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Steps
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  2. Brown the Ground Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add meat, cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Add green chiles and spices, simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine pasta, meat mixture, vegetables, cheese, and gently fold together.
  5. Dress Salad: Pour half the dressing over the salad, fold to combine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Finish Before Serving: Add bacon and remaining dressing before serving, mix gently, and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow salad to chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor blending. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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