Taco Pasta Salad is a zesty and flavorful dish that combines the best of two worlds—tacos and pasta! This fun twist on traditional pasta salad brings together hearty pasta with bold taco-inspired flavors, including ground beef, crunchy vegetables, black beans, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Topped with shredded cheese and tortilla chips for extra crunch, it’s a perfect dish for potlucks, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight meal. Easy to make ahead and full of vibrant textures and flavors, this salad is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, crushed (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, salsa, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, taco-seasoned meat, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Stir in the shredded cheese and mix until combined. Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the Taco Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy your Taco Pasta Salad, a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any occasion, blending classic taco flavors with the comforting bite of pasta!
