Taco Pasta Salad (Print Version)
Flavorful Tex-Mex fusion with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy zesty dressing. Ideal for gatherings and quick meals.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
→ Meats (optional)
02 - 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
06 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 cup iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded
→ Cheese & Toppings
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
10 - 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
11 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
12 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Dressing
13 - 2/3 cup sour cream
14 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
16 - 2 tbsp lime juice
17 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and let cool.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked meat (if using), cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, lettuce, cheese, and olives.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
06 - Immediately before serving, fold in crushed tortilla chips and cilantro.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy dressing brings that familiar taco flavor we all crave while the pasta makes it feel substantial enough for a full meal
- You can prep almost everything ahead of time and just toss it together right before serving which is a total lifesaver
02 -
- The pasta will continue absorbing the dressing as it sits so I always reserve a little extra to stir in right before serving if needed
- Tortilla chips get soggy quickly once dressed so adding them at the very last moment is absolutely essential for that perfect crunch
03 -
- Rinse your pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly
- Taste the dressed salad before adding extra salt since taco seasoning already contains plenty