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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Summer Gatherings

This Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant blend of Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Substitute with any small pasta like shells or macaroni.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Opt for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For the Flavor
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Use homemade seasoning for a personal touch.
For Freshness
  • 2 cups Chopped Tomatoes Use Roma tomatoes for better structure.
  • 1 can Black Beans Can swap with pinto beans or kidney beans.
  • 1 cup Corn Use fresh corn when in season.
  • 1 cup Red Onion Green onions can be used for a milder flavor.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack is a good substitute.
  • 1 cup French Dressing Homemade dressing is preferable.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Light mayo can be used for lower fat options.
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Crushed Doritos Any crispy tortilla chips can serve as a replacement.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and cool to room temperature.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rotini, seasoned ground beef, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar, black beans, corn, and red onion. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together French dressing and mayonnaise until smooth. Pour over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  5. Right before serving, fold in the crushed Doritos for crunch. Serve chilled for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Keep toppings like crushed Doritos separate until serving to preserve their crunch.

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