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–+ servings
Taco Pasta Salad

Savor the Flavor: Easy Taco Pasta Salad for Every Gathering

This Quick and Easy Taco Pasta Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any gathering or busy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Use any short pasta if rotini is unavailable.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Homemade seasoning or chili powder are good alternatives.
For the Veggies
  • 1 can Black Beans Canned chickpeas can also work as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Corn Frozen corn works just as well as canned.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved or diced.
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce You can use romaine or spinach as alternatives.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Fiesta Blend Cheese Replace with any shredded cheese blend or omit for a dairy-free version.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing A vinaigrette can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute.
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos Use any crunchy tortilla chips or omit for a lighter option.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and a quarter cup of water; cook until the liquid evaporates.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir in the fiesta blend cheese.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth. This will bind the flavors in your Taco Pasta Salad.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently yet thoroughly. If serving immediately, fold in crushed Doritos and shredded lettuce.
  6. Transfer the Taco Pasta Salad to a serving bowl. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Add Doritos just before serving to maintain their crunch. Prepare pasta and seasoned beef ahead of time and combine with dressing and fresh veggies just prior to serving.

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