Taco Pasta Salad (Print View)
Flavorful fusion of taco ingredients and pasta in creamy zesty dressing
# What You'll Need:
→ 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
# How To Make It:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - If using meat, heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking apart with spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat and allow to cool before adding to salad.
03 - In large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked meat (if using), cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, lettuce, cheese, and olives. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
04 - In small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste preference.
05 - Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Just before serving, fold in crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro to maintain crunch and freshness.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature as main dish or side.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors mingle for a bit
- Kids and adults both get excited about taco night in pasta form
02 -
- Tortilla chips turn soggy quickly, so keep them separate until the moment you serve
- The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so make extra if you are prepping ahead
03 -
- Rinse the pasta under cold water until it feels cool to the touch, otherwise it will wilt the vegetables
- Taste your taco seasoning before adding, then adjust lime juice accordingly