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Taco Pasta Salad

Featured in Fresh Good Salads.

This Taco Pasta Salad brings together the best of two worlds - the zesty flavors of a taco and the satisfying comfort of a pasta salad. Every bite is packed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables like crisp bell peppers, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes. The real magic happens when you toss it all in creamy Catalina dressing and add a generous handful of crushed Doritos for that irresistible crunch. It's super easy to throw together and perfect for feeding a crowd. What makes this salad special is how it combines different textures - tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and those crunchy chips - with classic taco seasonings. Whether you're bringing it to a potluck or serving it for dinner, it's always a hit. Just remember to add those Doritos right before serving to keep them nice and crunchy!
Soo Ben
Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:04:16 GMT
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Taco Pasta Salad | mamamiakitchen.com

This colorful taco pasta salad combines zesty taco meat, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables in a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for potlucks or easy family dinners. The combination of warm seasoned beef and cool, fresh ingredients creates satisfying layers of texture and flavor.

Every time I bring this to a potluck, people ask for the recipe. The secret is layering the ingredients properly and adding the chips just before serving.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Ground beef: 80/20 for best flavor
  • Pasta: Rotini holds dressing well
  • Taco seasoning: Homemade tastes best
  • Catalina dressing: Creates perfect coating
  • Doritos: Add essential crunch

Step-by-Step Assembly

Cook Components:
Brown beef thoroughly
Drain excess fat
Season generously
Cook pasta al dente
Cool ingredients completely
Layer Properly:
Combine pasta and meat first
Add vegetables next
Toss with dressing
Add chips last minute
Mix gently
Final Touches:
Check seasoning
Adjust dressing amount
Add fresh garnishes
Serve immediately
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Easy Taco Pasta Salad | mamamiakitchen.com

We love setting up a topping bar so everyone can customize their portions with extra cheese, jalapeños, or olives.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare components separately and store in refrigerator. Combine just before serving.

Storage Solutions

Keep undressed salad components separate. Add dressing and chips when ready to serve.

Homemade Taco Pasta Salad Recipe Pin it
Homemade Taco Pasta Salad Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

Years of making this salad have taught me that proper layering and timing make all the difference between good and great results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! Make everything ahead but add the Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy. Store the prepared salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
→ What can I substitute for Catalina dressing?
French dressing or Western dressing work great. You could also use Ranch mixed with a bit of taco seasoning for a different twist.
→ Can I use different pasta shapes?
Any short pasta works well - try penne, bowties, or shells. Just cook until al dente so it holds up in the salad.
→ Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Skip the beef and add black or pinto beans instead. You'll still get plenty of protein and that great taco flavor.
→ How spicy is this pasta salad?
It's mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat.

Fresh Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

A fun twist on taco salad with pasta, seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Doritos tossed in zesty Catalina dressing.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 pound ground beef
02 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
03 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente

→ Vegetables & Cheese

04 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
05 1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
06 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn kernels, drained
07 ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
08 ½ cup yellow onion, diced
09 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

→ Dressing & Toppings

10 1 cup Catalina dressing
11 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Doritos, slightly crushed
12 Diced iceberg lettuce for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, jalapeño, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion, cheese, seasoned beef, and Catalina dressing.

Step 03

Just before serving, fold in crushed Doritos. Garnish with extra chips and lettuce if desired.

Notes

  1. Perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings
  2. Add Doritos just before serving to maintain crunch

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta, Doritos)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 630
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~