A Taco Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful, and easy dish to make! It combines all the best taco flavors with pasta for a hearty, satisfying salad. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (rotini, elbow, or penne work well)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup ranch dressing or a taco-flavored dressing
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or meat of choice) over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the meat is fully coated in the seasoning. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned ground meat, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, black beans, bell pepper, corn, red onion, cilantro, and green onions (if using).
- Dress the salad: Pour the ranch dressing (or taco dressing) over the pasta mixture. Add the lime juice if you want an extra zing. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like it a little spicier, you can add some hot sauce or jalapeños!
- Chill (optional): For best results, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature. This is a great dish for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick dinner!
Enjoy this taco-inspired pasta salad with a fun twist—it’s bursting with flavors and textures! You can customize it to your liking by adding or omitting ingredients.
