Description
A delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, this Taco Pasta Salad combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- Vegetables & Beans:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- Cheese & Crunch:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning with water. Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, salsa, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, taco meat, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, red onion, black olives, and lettuce.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
- Before serving, add avocado and crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Store components separately and mix before serving.
- Crunch Factor: Keep tortilla chips separate until ready to serve.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: salad , pasta salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-Italian)
Keywords: taco pasta salad, Mexican pasta salad, easy taco salad, potluck pasta salad, pasta salad with ground beef