Description
Taco Pasta Salad combines the bold flavors of tacos with tender pasta, fresh veggies, cheese, and a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s hearty enough for a main dish, perfect for potlucks, and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen and thawed or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Optional: diced avocado, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned meat, tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, cheese, and olives.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, and lime juice until smooth.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors blend.
- Before serving, mix in chopped lettuce and top with crushed tortilla chips.
- Garnish with avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise in the dressing.Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and doubling the beans or using plant-based crumbles.Add diced bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, or cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.Wait to add lettuce and tortilla chips until serving to keep them crisp.Best enjoyed within 2–3 days for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
