A bold and refreshing pasta salad packed with ground beef, veggies, and a zesty lime dressing — perfect for picnics or BBQs.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a fun, filling twist on traditional pasta salad. It features seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, tender pasta, and a punchy lime dressing that brings it all together. Great served warm or cold — and even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Lime Dressing:
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Boil a big pot of water. Add pasta and cook until soft (about 8–10 minutes).
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Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. Let it cool.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
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In a pan, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook on medium heat.
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Add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until beef is fully cooked (no pink).
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Turn off the heat and let the beef cool a bit.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
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In a small bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Stir it up until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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In a big bowl, add pasta, cooked beef, tomatoes, corn, black beans, onion, and cilantro.
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Pour the dressing on top.
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Gently mix everything together. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
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Put the salad in the fridge for 10 minutes so it gets nice and cool.
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Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size ~1.5 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 460mg20%
- Potassium 470mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 28g57%
- Vitamin A 750 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 90 mg
- Iron 3.2 mg
- Vitamin D 8 IU
- Vitamin E 1.4 IU
- Folate 60 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Swaps
- Add avocado just before serving for a creamy twist.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
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Why You’ll Love It ðŸ¤
- Super easy to make
- Perfect for summer picnics or lunchboxes
- Packed with flavor and protein
- Kids and adults love it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All:
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Can I skip the beans or corn?
Totally — add or leave out anything you like.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Store in a sealed container.
Shopie Lane
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