Taco Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a pasta salad that feeds a crowd, bursts with flavor, and is ridiculously easy to make, look no further than this Taco Pasta Salad. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, plenty of shredded cheese, and finished with a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish has it all. And the secret ingredient? Crushed Doritos! They add the perfect salty crunch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this salad is quick to prepare, easily doubled for big crowds, and always a hit. Even better, it can be made ahead, making it a stress-free option for feeding a lot of people.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Pasta Salad

Here’s what makes this salad a must-have for your recipe collection:

• Crowd-pleasing flavor: Combines the savory taste of taco-seasoned beef with crisp vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing.
• Crunch factor: Doritos add a fun, irresistible crunch to every bite.
• Quick and simple: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable ingredients: Add more veggies, beans, or even different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance, perfect for meal prep or party planning.
• Perfect for large groups: This recipe serves 16, so it’s ideal for big gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

This Taco Pasta Salad serves 16 people. If you want a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients.

Salad

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 ounces canned corn, drained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups shredded Fiesta blend cheese

Dressing

• 16 ounces Catalina dressing
• 3 tablespoons sour cream

Toppings

• 9 ounces Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Large skillet or frying pan (for cooking beef)
• Large mixing bowl (for salad assembly)
• Small bowl (for dressing)
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a perfectly balanced taco pasta salad with creamy dressing and crunchy Doritos.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rotini: Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.

Preparing the Beef

1. Brown the beef: While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Season: Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Continue cooking 5 minutes or until most liquid has evaporated.

Assembling the Salad

1. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, diced onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Stir to combine evenly.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing and sour cream until smooth.
3. Add dressing: Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir to coat.

Adding Toppings

1. Add Doritos and lettuce: If serving immediately, stir in crushed Doritos and shredded lettuce.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for color and flavor.
3. Serving tip: If making ahead, cover salad and refrigerate. Add Doritos, lettuce, and cilantro just before serving to maintain crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead tip: Prepare salad a few hours in advance but add Doritos and lettuce at the last minute to keep them crisp.
• Vegetarian option: Omit beef and add extra black beans, corn, or roasted vegetables.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Cheese variety: Swap Fiesta blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
• Smaller batches: This recipe makes a lot; halve it if serving fewer people.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This salad is creamy, slightly sweet, tangy, savory, and crunchy, with a perfect balance of textures.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Tortilla chips for extra crunch
• Mexican-style rice or cilantro lime rice
• Guacamole or salsa for dipping
• Black bean and corn salad for added freshness

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (approx. 1 cup):

• Calories: 417 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g
• Cholesterol: 33mg
• Sodium: 879mg

Dietary Notes:

• Contains gluten (from pasta and Doritos) – substitute gluten-free pasta if needed
• Dairy present from cheese and sour cream
• Can be made vegetarian by omitting beef

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Salad: Can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Keep Doritos, lettuce, and cilantro separate until serving to maintain crunch.
• Dressing: Mix dressing up to a day in advance and store in fridge.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; add fresh Doritos and lettuce when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, bowtie, or rotelle pasta work well. Just cook to al dente.

2. Can this salad be frozen?
Not recommended. The lettuce and Doritos will get soggy, and dressing may separate.

3. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Replace beef with extra beans, corn, or roasted veggies.

4. How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the salad or stir in a bit of hot sauce to the dressing.

5. Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely! All ingredient amounts can be halved for smaller servings.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time	Notes
Prep ingredients	5 min	Dice veggies, open cans
Cook pasta	10 min	Boil, drain, and cool
Cook beef	10 min	Brown, season with taco seasoning
Assemble salad	5 min	Combine pasta, beef, veggies, cheese
Add dressing & toppings	5 min	Stir in dressing, Doritos, lettuce
Total	25 min	Quick and easy

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a large bowl for family-style meals or potlucks.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a few extra crushed Doritos on top for visual appeal.
• Serve alongside tortilla chips or Mexican rice for a full Tex-Mex feast.

Recipe Variations

1. Fiesta Veggie Taco Pasta Salad: Replace beef with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and black beans.
2. Spicy Taco Pasta Salad: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne to the dressing.
3. Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad: Double the cheese or add shredded pepper jack for extra flavor.
4. Healthy Version: Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-sugar Catalina dressing.

Ingredient Spotlight

Doritos

• Adds signature crunch and cheesy flavor. Crush just before serving to maintain texture.

Catalina Dressing

• Sweet and tangy, binds all ingredients together for a creamy, flavorful salad.

Black Beans

• Adds protein, fiber, and color, making this salad hearty and nutritious.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Avoid soggy Doritos: Add right before serving.
• Cook pasta al dente: Prevents mushy texture once combined with dressing.
• Evenly mix ingredients: Use a large bowl to ensure every bite has pasta, beef, veggies, and cheese.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad before adding Doritos; dressing may need a pinch of salt or extra spice.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 2 days. Add lettuce and Doritos fresh when serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to fresh vegetables and Doritos.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	417 kcal	Per 1 cup serving
Protein	17g
Carbohydrates	49g
Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	5g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	10g
Dietary Notes	Contains dairy, gluten; vegetarian optional

Conclusion

This Taco Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With seasoned beef, fresh veggies, creamy tangy dressing, and that irresistible Doritos crunch, it’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or even a big family dinner. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it’s one of those recipes you’ll make again and again.

Serve it fresh, top with lettuce and Doritos just before serving, and watch it disappear in minutes. Once you’ve tried this taco pasta salad, it’s guaranteed to be a repeat recipe for gatherings of any size.

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