Description
Discover how to make a delicious Taco Pasta Salad with this easy recipe. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
For the Taco Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a little water as directed on the seasoning packet. Simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning is well absorbed. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, corn, black beans, black olives (if using), red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss to mix all the ingredients together.
- Add the Dressing:
- Stir in the salsa or taco sauce to coat the pasta salad. If you prefer a creamier salad, add sour cream as well. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve the Taco Pasta Salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll create a flavorful Taco Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to potlucks and picnics.
Notes
Additional Tips and Notes
- Serving Ideas: Garnish your Taco Pasta Salad with fresh herbs like cilantro, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation. You can also serve it with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
- Making It Ahead: If you’re preparing the salad in advance, keep the lettuce and other delicate ingredients separate until just before serving. This will prevent them from becoming wilted or soggy.
- Customizing the Flavors: Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can add more spice with a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce, or keep it mild by reducing the amount of taco seasoning.