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Cold Taco Pasta Salad

Cold Taco Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Make-Ahead Dish

Enjoy a refreshing Cold Taco Pasta Salad that combines vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz rotini pasta Feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for a lighter option.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 oz taco seasoning For a healthier twist, use homemade seasoning.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • ½ each green bell pepper Diced. Consider yellow or red bell pepper for a different flavor profile.
  • ½ each red bell pepper Diced.
  • 4 each green onions Chopped (green parts only), can substitute with chives.
For the Add-Ins
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn Drained. Opt for frozen corn if preferred.
  • 1 can (15 oz) light red kidney beans Drained and rinsed. Black beans are a tasty alternative.
For the Dressing
  • cups Catalina dressing Provides a sweet and tangy finish.
For the Crunch
  • tortilla strips For garnish; adds crunch.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, and green onions. Add sweet corn and kidney beans. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Pour Catalina dressing over the salad and toss until well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
  6. Before serving, toss the salad again and top with tortilla strips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep tortilla strips separate until just before serving to preserve their crunchiness. Experiment with different proteins and dressings as desired.

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