Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad with the BEST Dressing! is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Featuring savory lean ground beef, crispy turkey bacon, and a colorful array of vegetables, this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. The creamy southwest barbecue dressing ties it all together, making each bite irresistible. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this salad not only satisfies but also leaves plenty of room for creativity. Serve it chilled or warm—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound mini farfalle or other small pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 can mild diced green chiles
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 4–6 tablespoons diced canned jalapeno peppers
- 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 apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, salt, pepper
- Hot sauce/Tabasco to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with half the dressing in a large serving bowl.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat; drain excess grease. Stir in green chiles and spices. Allow cooling.
- Add beef and remaining salad ingredients to the pasta; mix well.
- If serving immediately, stir in turkey bacon and desired amount of dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing/Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg