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Taco Pasta Salad

Delicious Taco Pasta Salad: Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that combines Tex-Mex flavors with hearty pasta for a satisfying summer meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta Cook al dente for the best bite.
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Any other tomatoes can work if diced small.
  • 1 number Bell Pepper Use any variety you love.
  • 1/2 number Red Onion Use green onions for a milder alternative.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can also be replaced with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 number Lime Juice Can use lemon juice as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste.
  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper To taste.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or beans.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Consider making your own.
For Toppings
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese Try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • Optional Toppings Black olives, corn, and crushed tortilla chips.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain fat and stir in taco seasoning with 1/4 cup water; simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Chop vegetables: dice cherry tomatoes, chop bell pepper, and finely dice red onion. Set aside.
  4. Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine chopped vegetables, drained pasta, and seasoned beef. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
  6. Add optional toppings before serving and toss lightly. Chill for 30 minutes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Rinse pasta to keep it firm and ensure uniform chopping of vegetables. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider preparing a few hours ahead for better flavor melding.

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