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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings together the comforting texture of pasta and the bold flavors of smoked sausage, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a colorful side dish at any gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its delightful mix of ingredients including chipotle chili powder and lime juice, you’ll enjoy every bite. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—whip it up in under 30 minutes! This nutritious recipe is versatile enough to be served warm or chilled, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz kielbasa or smoked sausage
  • 16 oz bow tie pasta
  • 1 can black-eyed peas
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 orange bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeño
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Smoked cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2/3 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. For the dressing, whisk together red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle chili powder, cumin, black pepper, chopped garlic, lime zest and juice, and salt in a large bowl. Slowly add olive oil while whisking until combined.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook cubed sausage until browned (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  3. Cook bow tie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. In the large bowl with dressing, combine pasta, black-eyed peas, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, thawed corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, onion, cheese cubes, cooked sausage, and remaining salt. Fold gently until well mixed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. Chill the salad before serving for best results. Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken.