Description
A fun twist for potlucks, this Taco Pasta Salad combines pasta with classic taco ingredients for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Brown Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned meat, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve: Serve chilled as a delightful side dish at your next potluck!
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can substitute ground meat with a plant-based option for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg