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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.



Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for potlucks and even makes a great main dish for an easy summer dinner.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

This taco salad is packed with flavour and colour.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

This beef taco salad recipe takes about thirty minutes from start to finish and serves ten to twelve people as a side dish.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this taco salad, I started by cooking some rotini noodles according to the directions on the package.

Then I drained the noodles and rinsed them well with cold water to cool them down.

cooked tri colour rotini pasta in a colander

While the noodles were cooking, I dumped some lean ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat.

lean ground in a skillet

I crumbled the ground beef well as it cooked.

lean ground beef being cooked in a skillet

Once the ground beef was fully cooked, I drained the grease from the pan.

crumbled ground beef browning in a skillet

Then I added some taco seasoning and water to the pan.

taco seasoning on top of cooked ground beef in a skillet

I stirred until all of the ground beef was coated in the taco seasoning.

cooked ground beef coated in a taco seasoning in a skillet

I continued cooking the ground beef mixture until no liquid remained in the pan.

Then I removed the pan from the heat and set the ground beef aside to cool.

I chopped some iceberg lettuce and diced some red onions and green bell peppers.

chopped iceberg lettuce and diced red onions and green peppers on a cutting board

I also halved some grape tomatoes.

chopped lettuce, diced red onions, green peppers and halved grape tomatoes on a cutting board

I transferred the cooked rotini noodles to a large mixing bowl.

cooked tri colour pasta in a large mixing bowl

I added the chopped lettuce to the bowl.

chopped iceberg lettuce in a mixing bowl

I also added the red onions, green peppers and tomatoes to the bowl.

halved grape tomatoes and diced red onions and green peppers on top of iceberg lettuce in a mixing bowl

Then I added some shredded Mexican cheese blend to the bowl.

diced red onions, diced green peppers, halved grape tomatoes and shredded cheese in a mixing bowl

I tossed all of the ingredients together well.

pasta salad mixture being tossed in a mixing bowl

Then I added some chunky salsa and ranch dressing to the bowl.

ranch dressing and salsa on top of pasta salad mixture in a mixing bowl

I tossed until all of the ingredients were coated in the dressing.

taco pasta salad mixture in a mixing bowl

Then I added the cooked ground beef to the bowl.

cooked ground beef taco meat added to a bowl with pasta salad mixture

I tossed well again.

I added some crumbled Doritos nacho chips to the bowl right before serving.

crumbled doritos on top of pasta salad in a mixing bowl

I gently tossed them into the salad.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

The taco salad should be served immediately after adding the Doritos as they will get soggy.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

This ground beef taco pasta salad is sure to be a family favourite.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

If you are looking for a tasty pasta salad recipe, then you need to try this Taco Pasta Salad!

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

More Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Taco Pasta Salad:

  • 12 oz tri colour rotini noodles
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 oz taco seasoning
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup diced red onions
  • 1 cup diced green peppers
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 2/3 cup chunky salsa
  • 2/3 cup ranch dressing
  • 9.25 oz bag of Doritos, crumbled

How to Make Taco Pasta Salad:

  1. Cook the rotini according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse well with cold water to cool the noodles down.
  2. While the rotini is cooking, dump the ground beef into a non stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Crumble the ground beef well as it cooks.
  4. Once the ground beef is completely cooked, drained the grease from the pan.
  5. Add the taco seasoning and water to the pan with the beef and stir well.
  6. Continue cooking until no liquid remains in the pan.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and set the ground beef aside to cool.
  8. Transfer the cooled rotini noodles to a large mixing bowl.
  9. Add the chopped lettuce, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and shredded cheese to the bowl. Toss well.
  10. Add the salsa and ranch dressing to the bowl. Toss well.
  11. Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl and toss again.
  12. Add the crumbled Doritos to the bowl right before serving.
  13. Toss gently.
  14. Serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

How should I store taco pasta salad?

To store taco pasta salad, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose a storage container: Use an airtight container with a lid or a resealable plastic bag. Glass or plastic containers work well.
  2. Portion and label: If you plan to store the salad for multiple meals, divide it into individual portions. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
  3. Store in the fridge: Place the container in the fridge and store it for up to 3-4 days. It is not recommended to store taco pasta salad at room temperature.

Note: Avoid adding any fresh or crunchy ingredients, such as the lettuce or the Doritos until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Also, remember to stir the pasta salad before serving to redistribute any dressing or seasonings that may have settled at the bottom of the container.

What can I serve with this Doritos taco salad?

Taco pasta salad is a delicious and filling dish that can be served on its own as a main course, or as a side dish alongside other complementary dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with taco pasta salad:

  1. Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread pairs well with the flavors of the taco pasta salad.
  2. Chips and Salsa: A serving of tortilla chips with some fresh salsa can add an extra crunch and a touch of spice to the meal.
  3. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make a great side dish and add a healthy balance to the meal.
  4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes add a sweet and savory complement to the taco pasta salad and can be served warm or at room temperature.
  5. Margaritas: For a festive occasion, consider serving margaritas or other Mexican-inspired drinks to complement the flavors of the taco pasta salad.

These are just a few ideas for what to serve with taco pasta salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to find your own favorite pairing.

What substitutions could I make?

Taco pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some substitutions you can make:

  1. Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like, such as whole wheat, gluten-free, or vegetable-based pasta, to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
  2. Meat: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish, you can omit the meat or substitute it with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives. For a lighter option, you can also use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of ground beef.
  3. Cheese: If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, you can use a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
  4. Vegetables: You can add or substitute different vegetables, such as zucchini, squash, or carrots, to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
  5. Dressing: Instead of using a store-bought dressing, you can make your own using olive oil, lime juice, and spices for a healthier and more flavorful option.
  6. Spices: You can use different spices to change the flavor profile, such as chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
  7. Toppings: You can add different toppings to the dish, such as avocado, salsa, sour cream, or cilantro, to add more flavor and texture.

Overall, there are many substitutions you can make in taco pasta salad to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Be creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of the dish.

Yield: 12 servings

Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect party side dish loaded with tri-colour rotini pasta, taco seasoned ground beef, iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and crumbled Doritos nacho chips.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz tri colour rotini noodles
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 oz taco seasoning
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup diced red onions
  • 1 cup diced green peppers
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 2/3 cup chunky salsa
  • 2/3 cup ranch dressing
  • 9.25 oz bag of Doritos, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse well with cold water to cool the noodles down.
  2. While the rotini is cooking, dump the ground beef into a non stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Crumble the ground beef well as it cooks.
  4. Once the ground beef is completely cooked, drained the grease from the pan.
  5. Add the taco seasoning and water to the pan with the beef and stir well.
  6. Continue cooking until no liquid remains in the pan.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and set the ground beef aside to cool.
  8. Transfer the cooled rotini noodles to a large mixing bowl.
  9. Add the chopped lettuce, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and shredded cheese to the bowl. Toss well.
  10. Add the salsa and ranch dressing to the bowl. Toss well.
  11. Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl and toss again.
  12. Add the crumbled Doritos to the bowl right before serving.
  13. Toss gently.
  14. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 404Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 648mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 20g

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