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Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

This Taco Pasta Salad combines hearty rotini pasta and seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Mix Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water into the cooked ground beef. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned taco meat, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
  6. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
  7. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or use a mild variety.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Make sure to rinse canned black beans well to reduce sodium content.
  • This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Add diced avocado or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for extra freshness.
  • For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Taco pasta salad, taco seasoning, rotini pasta salad, Tex-Mex pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, picnic recipes

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/taco-pasta-salad-recipe/