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Taco Pasta Salad

Delicious Taco Pasta Salad: Quick, Flavor-Packed Delight

Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Homemade seasoning can be used to control spices.
For the Veggies
  • 15 oz Canned Black Beans Can swap with kidney beans or pinto beans.
  • 15 oz Canned Corn Frozen corn is a good alternative.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can replace with diced bell peppers or regular tomatoes.
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Can use romaine or spinach as alternatives.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Can use another dressing like ranch or southwest if preferred.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative.
For the Finish
  • 1 cup Fiesta Blend Cheese Substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses.
  • 1 bag Doritos Any tortilla chips could be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, seasoned beef, canned black beans (rinsed and drained), and canned corn. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in the fiesta blend cheese.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold everything together until the ingredients are well coated.
  6. If you're ready to serve immediately, add the crushed Doritos and shredded iceberg lettuce directly into the salad. Gently mix to combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 12mg

Notes

Chill the salad after combining ingredients without toppings for enhanced flavors. Add toppings right before serving for crispy texture.

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