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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Creamy and Hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad for Potlucks

A delicious Cowboy Pasta Salad loaded with TexMex flavors, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: TexMex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 ounces Mini Farfalle or Small Pasta
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Turkey
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 can Diced Pickled Jalapenos
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Red Onion
  • 1 handful Chopped Cilantro
  • 4 slices Thick Center Cut Bacon Cooked and crumbled
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Southwest Barbecue Sauce Mixture of ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, and spices

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and cool under running water.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground meat for 5-7 minutes, then add green chiles and spices. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and salsa. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine cooled pasta with the meat mixture, green bell pepper, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro.
  5. Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Add crumbled bacon and drizzle remaining dressing over salad before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Prepare the salad a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Adjust spice levels to taste and ensure to serve fresh ingredients.

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