Taco Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Flavorful fusion of taco ingredients and tender pasta in creamy zesty dressing, ideal for gatherings and quick meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta Base
01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
→ Meats
02 - 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey, optional
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
06 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 cup iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded
→ Cheese & Toppings
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
10 - 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
11 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
12 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Dressing
13 - 2/3 cup sour cream
14 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
16 - 2 tbsp lime juice
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and let cool.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked meat (if using), cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, lettuce, cheese, and olives.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
06 - Immediately before serving, fold in crushed tortilla chips and cilantro.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors mingle for a bit
- The dressing strikes that perfect balance between tangy lime and rich creaminess
02 -
- The tortilla chips will get soggy if they sit too long in the dressing, so add them at the very last minute
- This salad needs at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld properly
03 -
- Rinse the pasta with cold water until it is completely cool to prevent it from continuing to cook
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the lime or seasoning to your liking