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Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Taco Pasta Salad combining tender rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy Catalina dressing. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a light main meal, this salad brings together classic taco flavors with a refreshing pasta twist.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 package)

Vegetables

  • 3 cups shredded lettuce
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Catalina dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl, cover, and set aside.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat content. Cover the cooked beef and set it aside to cool slightly.
  3. Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooled ground beef to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta and beef are well coated with the seasoning, infusing the salad with taco flavors.
  4. Add Fresh Ingredients and Dressing: To the pasta and beef mixture, add shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped yellow onion, and chopped green bell pepper. Pour the Catalina dressing over the top. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve: Once mixed, serve the taco pasta salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a colder, more refreshing dish. Enjoy as a side or light main course.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Allowing the salad to chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/taco-pasta-salad-recipe/