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–+ servings
Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

A flavorful twist on taco night, this Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and customizable dish perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Rotini Pasta or any pasta shape of choice
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based option
For the Seasoning
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning homemade version can control sodium and spice
For the Base
  • 1 can Black Beans rinse for best texture
  • 1 cup Corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 cup Diced Onion or green onions as a substitute
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or any ripe tomato variety
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese sharp cheddar, or mix with Monterey Jack or feta
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing or ranch/creamy taco dressing
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier option
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Crushed Doritos or tortilla chips, optional
  • 2 cups Shredded Lettuce iceberg or romaine
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • whisk
  • Airtight container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.
  3. In a bowl, combine pasta, beef mixture, black beans, corn, onion, tomatoes, and cheese.
  4. Whisk together Catalina dressing and sour cream in a separate bowl.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and mix until evenly coated.
  6. Fold in Doritos and lettuce before serving or keep separate for make-ahead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Adjust seasonings to your taste.

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