Description
Indulge in a delightful Creamy and Hearty Cowboy Pasta Salad for Potlucks, perfect for any gathering! This vibrant dish melds the rich flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with a creamy dressing, making it a flavorful addition to your table. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich meat, and a hint of spice, it’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to be served at BBQs, family dinners, or casual picnics. Best of all, this salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy quality time with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Red Onion
- 1 handful Chopped Cilantro
- 1/2 cup Creamy Southwest Barbecue Sauce (Mixture of ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, and spices)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and cool.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or turkey over medium heat for 5-7 minutes; add green chiles and spices; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Combine cooled pasta with meat mixture and fresh vegetables in a large bowl.
- Toss with half the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, top with crispy plant-based bacon and drizzle remaining dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg