Best Cowboy Salad Aka Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipes

SOMBRERO PASTA SALAD

Sombrero Pasta Salad image

I take this slightly spicy salad to almost every party or picnic I attend. Every time I come home with lots of compliments, but never any leftovers! - Patty Ehlen, Burlington, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup water
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 bottle (16 ounces) Catalina or Western salad dressing

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. , Rinse pasta in cold water and drain; place in a large bowl. Add beef mixture, cheese, green pepper, onion, tomato and olives; mix well. Add the dressing and toss to coat. , Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 548 calories, Fat 29g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 941mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Southwestern Pasta Salad image

I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it's now among the most-requested dishes. -Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon salsa
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spiral or cavatappi pasta
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

Steps:

In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges