Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cowboy Pasta Salad with the BEST Dressing! This vibrant dish features juicy ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a creamy southwest barbecue dressing that will have everyone raving. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep, this salad is quick to prepare and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, it doubles as both a main course and a side dish, making it an ideal centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound mini farfalle pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 can diced green chiles
- Sweet corn
- Cherry tomatoes
- Black beans
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Jalapeño peppers
- Fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream (may sub plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp EACH smoked paprika, salt, pepper
- Hot sauce/Tabasco to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salsa, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Stir in diced green chiles and spices before letting it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the dressing. Add the meat mixture and all remaining ingredients except for optional toppings.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. Add any desired toppings just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg