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Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed BBQ Essential

Zesty Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and customizable dish, perfect for summer BBQs featuring flavorful ingredients and quick prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium fresh lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1-2 tablespoons chipotle chiles in adobo or smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta or rotini/fusilli
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey/lentils
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin or coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or fresh onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup corn or frozen corn
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded, or feta/cheddar
  • 1/4 cup scallions chopped, optional
  • 1 medium red onion optional, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper optional, chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk until well blended.
  2. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and toss with half the dressing.
  3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the spices until browned, draining excess fat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and optional vegetables. Toss with remaining dressing.
  5. Transfer to a serving dish, top with cheese and scallions, serve warm or chill.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Customize the salad with different proteins and toppings based on preference. For a refreshing twist, chill before serving.

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