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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist for Busy Nights

Taco Pasta Salad is a quick, vibrant dish blending seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and crunchy Doritos, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Rotini any short pasta like fusilli or penne works as a substitute
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef can replace it for a vegetarian option
  • 1 15 oz can Canned Black Beans rinse and drain to lower sodium content
  • 1 15 oz can Canned Corn fresh or frozen corn can be easily used instead
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes swap with diced bell peppers for extra crunch
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce romaine or spinach can be used as alternatives
For the Flavor
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning consider homemade seasoning for less sodium
  • 1 cup Fiesta Blend Cheese any shredded cheese like cheddar works well too
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing ranch or French dressing make good substitutes
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be a healthier choice
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Nacho Cheese Doritos feel free to use tortilla chips for an alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Pasta Salad
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the taco pasta salad light and flavorful.
  3. Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in a quarter cup of water. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef is nicely coated with spices.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini, seasoned beef, drained black beans, canned corn, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures. Add in the fiesta blend cheese.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more dressing or sour cream based on your preference.
  6. Pour the prepared dressing over the taco pasta salad mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Add crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos and shredded iceberg lettuce to the top of the Taco Pasta Salad for that irresistible crunch.
  7. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors that make this salad a hit at any gathering.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the rotini to cool completely after draining to prevent wilting of the fresh lettuce. Consider preparing vegetables in advance to save time during assembly.

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