Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the best of taco night with a fun pasta twist. This easy-to-make salad brings together seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and crunchy Doritos for a crowd-pleasing meal or side.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
• 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• ½ cup (74.5 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ cup (80 g) yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups (226 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (272 g) Catalina dressing
• 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Doritos, slightly crushed (reserve a few for topping)
• Diced iceberg lettuce (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, diced jalapeño, Roma tomato, corn kernels, red bell pepper, yellow onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and the seasoned taco meat.
4. Step 4: Pour in the Catalina dressing and toss everything gently until well mixed.
5. Step 5: Just before serving, add the slightly crushed Doritos to the salad and toss to combine.
6. Step 6: Garnish with reserved whole Doritos and diced iceberg lettuce, if desired. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, keep some jalapeño seeds or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Swap out the mild cheddar for pepper jack cheese for more flavor.
• Use low-fat or Greek yogurt-based dressing as a lighter alternative to Catalina.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with seasoned cooked black beans or a plant-based meat alternative.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the crushed Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy, as they will soften if mixed in too early. Reheat the salad briefly if preferred warm, though it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad components in advance, but add the Doritos and lettuce just before serving to keep them crisp.

What can I use instead of Catalina dressing?

You can substitute Catalina dressing with a simple blend of ketchup and ranch dressing or use a salsa-based vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.