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–+ servings
Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Quick and Colorful Family Favorite

Enjoy a colorful Taco Pasta Salad that combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with pasta for a family-friendly meal under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces pasta (macaroni or rotini) can substitute with gluten-free pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat
  • 1 packet taco seasoning use homemade for lower sodium
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) can substitute with diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup corn canned or frozen
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced) can use different colored bell peppers
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend, can use dairy-free
  • 2 cups crushed Doritos or your favorite tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup salsa fresh pico de gallo recommended
  • salt and pepper to taste adjust according to preference

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Taco Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart until browned. Add taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with browned beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, red bell pepper, and cheese. Gently fold together.
  4. Add ranch dressing and salsa, mixing until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Serve immediately after tossing, topping with crushed Doritos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Taco Pasta Salad can be customized with additional vegetables or different proteins and is best served chilled with crunchy toppings added right before serving.

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