• 16 ounces small elbow pasta
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/3 cup taco seasoning
• 1 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped, about 1/3 cup
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch matchsticks
• optional: jarred sliced jalapenos

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 cup lightly flavored olive oil
• 1/2 cup juice from jar of sliced jalapenos
• 1/4–1/2 cup sliced jarred jalapenos, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, about 3 small limes worth (plain white vinegar may be substituted to taste)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper