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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Quick & Colorful Twist for Everyone

Taco Pasta Salad is a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing for a delightful twist.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rotini This sturdy pasta shape holds up well in the salad.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Adds hearty flavor and protein; can swap with ground turkey or black beans.
For Flavor
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Imparts classic taco taste.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Enhances the salad's texture; Greek yogurt is a substitute.
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Tangy base dressing.
For the Veggies
  • 15 oz Canned Black Beans Rinse to cut down on sodium.
  • 15 oz Canned Corn Provides natural sweetness.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Brightens up the salad.
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Crunchy and refreshing.
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos Adds crunch.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese Offers creaminess and flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Medium Skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium skillet, add the lean ground beef and cook until fully browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water, cooking until thickened.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled rotini, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth. This will enhance the flavors.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Sprinkle crushed Doritos and shredded lettuce on top if serving immediately. Toss gently before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for 15-30 minutes before serving. Add the Doritos just before eating to maintain their crunch.

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