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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Fun Twist for Busy Weeknight Dinners

Taco Pasta Salad combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant veggies, and crunchy Doritos, making it a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Feel free to swap in penne or bowtie pasta if you prefer.
For the Beef
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Ground turkey or plant-based options work well for a lighter twist.
  • 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning Consider making your own for a fresher taste.
For the Veggies
  • 1 can Black Beans Kidney beans or pinto beans are alternatives.
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh or frozen is perfect for crunch.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for manageable bites.
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Swap with any type of salad greens based on preference.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Ranch dressing is a good alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a healthier choice.
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos Use any flavored tortilla chips for a unique twist.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese Any shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack can also be used.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease, stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded fiesta blend cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is thoroughly coated.
  6. If serving immediately, gently fold in crushed Doritos and shredded lettuce. If preparing ahead, reserve these ingredients until just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Add crushed Doritos right before serving to keep their crunch intact.

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