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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Flavorful, Crunchy Twist for Your Table

Enjoy a crowd-pleasing Taco Pasta Salad that's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Dried Rotini Pasta Substitute with any small pasta shape
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can be replaced with ground turkey or black beans
For the Flavor
  • 1 oz Taco Seasoning Adjust heat level as desired
For the Veggies
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Halved, can use grape tomatoes
  • 4 pieces Green Onions Thinly sliced; swap with red onions if desired
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded; consider alternatives like Monterey Jack
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Shredded; use any melting cheese or omit for a lighter version
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Can substitute with ranch or vinaigrette
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos Can substitute with plain tortilla chips
For Freshness
  • ¼ cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro Optional; omit if preferred

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add the dried rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up into crumbles. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until browned. Stir in taco seasoning, remove from heat, and let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled rotini, cooked ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced green onions. Add both shredded cheeses and pour in Catalina dressing. Stir gently until evenly coated.
  4. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  5. Before serving, fold in crushed nacho cheese Doritos and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing as texture may change.

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