Description
Get ready to experience the best of both worlds – the bold flavors of Cowboy Caviar and the refreshing goodness of pasta salad!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of lean ground beef, cooked and seasoned with salt and pepper.
- 1 pound of rotini pasta, cooked according to package instructions and tossed with olive oil.
- 1 cup of corn.
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed.
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded.
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1 bell pepper, diced.
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional).
- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped.
Instructions
1. Begin by boiling the rotini pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Toss the cooled pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and minced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
5. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside to cool.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning to create the flavorful dressing for the salad.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeño (if using), and green onions.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.
9. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
10.
Notes
Feel free to get creative and customize this salad to your liking.
Swap out the rotini pasta for a different shape, such as penne or bowtie.
Instead of ground beef, you can use shredded chicken or even leave it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely.
Experiment with different types of beans, cheeses, or even add diced avocado for a creamy element.
One of the best things about “Cowboy Caviar Meets Pasta Salad” is that it’s perfect for making ahead of time.
Prepare the salad, cover, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 5