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Taco Pasta Salad

Zesty Taco Pasta Salad That Will Steal the Show

This Taco Pasta Salad combines vibrant taco flavors with creamy pasta for a delicious and customizable dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Can replace with Greek yogurt if desired.
  • 1 splash Milk Use as needed for desired consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Lime Zest Can substitute with lemon zest.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice Can replace with lemon juice.
  • 1 small Jalapeño Pepper Remove seeds to reduce spiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Omit if not needed.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust according to taste.
Salad
  • 1 pound Spiral Pasta Choose whole grain or gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20) Can substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 small Red Onion Substitute with green onions for milder taste.
  • 1 large Red Pepper Other bell peppers can be used.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Substitute with diced fresh tomatoes if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Can swap for parsley.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitute with any preferred cheese.
  • 1 cup Monterrey Jack Cheese Can use other melting cheeses.
  • 1 bag Nacho Doritos Can substitute with Tostitos.
  • 2 medium Avocados Can use guacamole.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (for Garnish) Substitute with green onions.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and a splash of milk until smooth. Add lime zest, lime juice, diced jalapeño, granulated sugar, and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spiral pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Allow to cool.
  3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then sprinkle taco seasoning over beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, seasoned beef, and creamy dressing. Add chopped red onion, diced red pepper, halved grape tomatoes, and cilantro. Toss gently.
  5. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or ideally overnight.
  6. Before serving, adjust dressing consistency with milk if necessary. Fold in cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and crushed Doritos. Top with diced avocados and garnish with remaining Doritos and cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Chill overnight for the best flavor. Add crushed Doritos just before serving to maintain their crunch.

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