Description
Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta shells, sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, lettuce, crunchy nacho cheese Doritos, and a tangy Western dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or summer gatherings, this salad is served chilled and offers a delicious fusion of taco flavors in a pasta salad format.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey, Chicken, or Pork)
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, Diced
- 2 oz Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Water
- 16 oz Medium Sized Pasta Shells (or any short pasta)
- 9 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or any Mexican Style Cheese), grated
- 1/2 Head of Lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Salsa
- 14.5 oz Bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos (use about half the bag)
- 8-12 oz Western Dressing (French or Catalina can be substitutes)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted boiling water just until al dente. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled to stop cooking and prepare for the salad.
- Prepare Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, seasoned taco meat, grated cheese, and salsa thoroughly.
- Finish Salad: When ready to serve, add the crushed Doritos chips, chopped lettuce, and Western dressing to the bowl. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the taco pasta salad chilled for the best taste and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- This recipe can be prepared up to one day in advance by completing steps up to combining pasta, taco meat, cheese, and salsa. Add the Doritos, lettuce, and dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Any short pasta like rotini or macaroni can substitute for pasta shells.
- Other dressings such as French or Catalina can be used if Western dressing is unavailable.
- Optional protein replacements include ground turkey, chicken, or pork for varied flavors.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
