Taco Pasta Salad
A delightful mixture of pasta, seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing that’s both filling and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta Any pasta shape can work.
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Use your favorite brand.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, drained Canned corn works well.
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained Can substitute with kidney beans.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can use dairy-free cheese if needed.
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro Fresh cilantro enhances flavor.
- ½ cup ranch dressing Dairy-free ranch dressing can be used.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice Fresh lime juice is ideal.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all the ingredients. Chop the cherry tomatoes and red onions, rinse the black beans, and measure out the corn and cheese.
Cooking
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef, following package instructions for additional water and simmering time.
Assembly
- In the large bowl with the pasta, add the seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing and lime juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chilling and Serving
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once chilled, stir the salad one last time and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
- Serve the Taco Pasta Salad on plates or in bowls and enjoy!
Notes
To store, place in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Avoid freezing after adding dressing. For extra flavor, consider grilling vegetables before adding to the salad.