1red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1green bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
2cupsgrape tomatoes, halved
1/2small red onion, finely chopped, about 1/3 cup
1/4cupfresh cilantro, chopped
1cupcheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch matchsticks
optional: jarred sliced jalapenos
Dressing Ingredients
1cuplightly flavored olive oil
1/2cupjuice from jar of sliced jalapenos
1/4-1/2cupsliced jarred jalapenos, minced
1/4cupfresh lime juice, about 3 small limes worth(plain white vinegar may be substituted to taste)
4garlic cloves, minced
1teaspoonground cumin
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
1teaspoonkosher salt, adjust to taste
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain under cold water until the pasta is cool.
While the pasta is boiling, cook and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet, sprinkle the meat generously with the taco seasoning while cooking. Combine the pasta, ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
Combine the oil, jalapeno juice, jalapenos, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a jar. Cover with lid and shake well. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad in the bowl. Toss to coat thoroughly.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with jalapeno slices and/or cheddar cheese. Enjoy!