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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Deliciously Fun Twist for Family Meals

Taco Pasta Salad combines all your favorite taco flavors with tender rotini for a quick and customizable family meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Substitute with bowtie or gluten-free pasta if desired.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
  • 1 oz Taco Seasoning Use store-bought or homemade blend.
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Grape tomatoes work well as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Canned Corn Frozen corn can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 can Canned Black Beans Can substitute with pinto beans or omit for a lighter dish.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Yellow or green bell peppers can be used.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Green onions can be used for a milder taste.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Avocado is a healthier option.
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice Lemon juice works as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Parsley can be used for less herbaceousness.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust according to preference.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Pepper jack or mozzarella can be used.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, and then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely while you prepare the taco meat.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and allow it to warm up. Once hot, carefully add the ground beef and cook for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add a splash of water, stirring well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, seasoned taco meat, halved cherry tomatoes, canned corn, drained black beans, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until they are well combined.
  4. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once thoroughly mixed, pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently yet thoroughly.
  5. To allow the flavors to develop, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavors. Add crunchy toppings like tortilla chips just before serving.

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