Crispy Pasta Beef Salad
This recipe uses ground beef seasoned with soy sauce for a deep umami flavor that pairs perfectly with a creamy, spicy dressing. You can whip this up for a quick lunch or a unique dinner side that will definitely get people talking.
Ingredients
The Beef Base
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil optional but recommended
The Pasta Crunch
- Farfalle pasta bow tie pasta, cooked
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Fresh Salad Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup red onion cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber cubed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
The Creamy Chili Crisp Sauce
- yogurt
- mayo
- Chili crisp
- Minced garlic
- Lemon or lime juice
- Sugar salt, and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. I like to let the fat render out a bit and let it crisp up before adding the aromatics.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until it smells fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce and sugar.
- Stir the beef constantly until the edges get slightly caramelized and dark. If the pan looks too dry, deglaze it with a small splash of water.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. This adds a nutty finish that ties the beef to the rest of the ingredients.
- Take your pre-cooked farfalle pasta and toss it in a bowl with olive oil, salt, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned pasta in your air fryer or oven at 400F. Roast for about 30 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and very crunchy.
- While the pasta crisps up, whisk your vegan yogurt, vegan mayo, chili crisp, garlic, and citrus juice in a small jar. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
- Grab a large salad bowl and toss in your chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Add the warm caramelized beef to the bowl and pour over the chili crisp sauce. Mix everything so the vegetables are well coated.
- Fold in the crispy pasta right before you serve it. Top it off with a handful of fresh cilantro and enjoy your meal.