Description
Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to summer barbecues. Combining seasoned beef with colorful vegetables and a creamy dressing, it’s topped with crunchy Doritos for an exciting twist. This easy-to-make salad can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a blend of textures and tastes, it’s sure to impress your family and friends, offering the perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 15 ounces canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 8 ounces canned corn (drained)
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded Fiesta blend cheese
- 16 ounces Catalina dressing
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 9 ounces Nacho Cheese Doritos (crushed)
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, then drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and cook until liquid evaporates.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, and cheese.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. If serving immediately, add crushed Doritos and shredded lettuce before serving.
Notes
This salad is best served fresh, but you can prep the components ahead of time and mix right before serving. Add the Doritos just before eating to maintain their crunch. Customize with jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or avocado for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg