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Taco Pasta Salad

Zesty Taco Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love

This Taco Pasta Salad combines iconic flavors and comfort, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Dried Rotini Pasta or other small pasta shapes
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef can be replaced with ground turkey or omitted
For the Flavor
  • 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning adjust to taste
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions sliced
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese or cheese blend
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Catalina Dressing or vinaigrette
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos add just before serving
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro optional, can substitute parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the dried rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain fat, stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, shredded cheeses, and drizzle in the Catalina dressing. Toss to coat.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld.
  5. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and fold in the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep crushed Doritos separate until serving to maintain their crunch. Can freeze without Doritos for up to 3 months.

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