Cowboy Pasta Salad Southwest (Print-Friendly Version)

Pasta salad with beef, beans, corn, and veggies tossed in a zesty lime taco dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 350 g rotini pasta

→ Beef Mixture

02 - 450 g ground beef
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Dressing

06 - 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
07 - 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
08 - 28 g taco seasoning

→ Vegetables and Mix-ins

09 - 200 g canned sweet corn, drained
10 - 200 g canned black beans, rinsed and drained
11 - 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
13 - 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
14 - 1-2 medium jalapeños, seeded and diced
15 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onions soften, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, season with salt and pepper, then let cool completely.
02 - Cook rotini pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
03 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and taco seasoning in a small bowl until fully combined.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, beef mixture, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, jalapeños, green onions, and cubed cheddar cheese.
05 - Pour the taco-lime dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Ensure both the cooked pasta and beef mixture are fully cooled before adding fresh vegetables and cheese for best texture and flavor.
02 - Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor absorption and balance.
03 - Add extra jalapeño or hot sauce for increased heat.

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