Go Back
+ servings
Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Fun Twist on Classic Flavors

Taco Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of seasoned beef, pasta, and fresh veggies, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini or any short pasta like fusilli or penne
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or ground turkey or plant-based meat
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed to reduce sodium
  • 1 cup Corn fresh, frozen, or canned (drained)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved, or substitute with regular tomatoes
  • 1 cup Fiesta Blend Cheese or substitute with cheddar or pepper jack
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing or ranch or Italian dressing
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos or any flavored tortilla chips
  • 4 cups Iceberg Lettuce or romaine or spinach
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing or ranch or Italian dressing
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Taco Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini, seasoned beef, rinsed black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and fiesta blend cheese. Gently fold until evenly mixed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth. This will coat your Taco Pasta Salad beautifully.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir until everything is coated. If serving immediately, fold in the crushed Doritos and iceberg lettuce for crunch. If prepping ahead, keep the Doritos separate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep Doritos separate until serving to maintain crunch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!