January 30, 2023
Review RecipeTaco Pasta Salad
Taco pasta salad is loaded with flavor where seasoned meat combines with all your favorite taco toppings and a satisfying Dorito crunch, making it a perfect taco flavored side dish or main course.
Jump to RecipeTable of Contents
- TACO PASTA SALAD RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS FOR PASTA TACO SALAD
- HOW TO MAKE TACO PASTA SALAD
- HOW TO SERVE TACO SALAD WITH NOODLES
- STORING THIS RECIPE FOR TACO PASTA SALAD
- WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PASTA TACO SALAD RECIPE
- Recipe For Pasta Taco Salad FAQ
- MORE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE
- JUMP TO RECIPE
This Taco Pasta Salad is loaded with meaty and cheesy goodness. Tender pasta is combined with Mexican-inspired flavors, your favorite taco toppings, and a crunchy Dorito surprise. Loaded with flavor, this cold salad is perfect to bring to the next potluck or BBQ or eaten as a standalone meal.
For another tasty taco salad, try our Layered Taco Salad or for a cold salad with a different flavor, try this Italian Pasta Salad or Egg Pasta Salad. Also, try our yummy dill pickle pasta salad.
MORE PASTA SALAD RECIPES:
Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad | BLT Pasta Salad
TACO PASTA SALAD RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You will need:
- 16-ounce package of rotini pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup taco seasoning packaged or homemade
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup grated cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped (about 3 to 4 cups)
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- green parts of 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup French dressing
- 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
PRO TIP:
Taco seasoning can be whipped up easily with some basic spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, pepper, salt, oregano, and paprika) if you don’t have a package of seasoning. Some stores also carry larger containers of taco seasoning rather than the small packets to keep on hand.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS FOR PASTA TACO SALAD
Toppings: You can switch out the toppings for whatever you love to put on your tacos. Bell peppers, black olives, or hot peppers would work well. You could even sprinkle bacon bits on top for even more meaty flavor. Sour cream and guacamole would also be great additions to offer on the side.
Chips: If you aren’t a fan of Doritos, try either plain tortilla chips or tortilla strips.
Cheese: Cheddar would be a classic option for the cheese, or take it up a notch with a shredded nacho cheese or Tex-Mex blend or jalapeno Monterey jack for a little added spice.
Beans: What about adding a can of black beans for an even heartier salad. Just drain and toss in.
Pasta: The rotini could be substituted with other fun pasta shapes. Bowties (farfalle), penne, or shells would all be excellent choices.
Dressing: You could switch out the French dressing for Catalina or even Ranch for a different twist on this salad.
HOW TO MAKE TACO PASTA SALAD
STEP ONE: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and run cold water over the pasta. Set aside.
PRO TIP:
Rinsing your pasta under cold water will cool it down and prevent it from sticking.
STEP TWO: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink.
STEP THREE: Add taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool.
STEP FOUR: In a large salad bowl mix together cooled pasta, cooled taco meat, grated cheese, tomato, lettuce, avocado, cilantro, and green onions.
PRO TIP:
Use pre-shredded cheese and lettuce to save time when putting together this dish.
STEP FIVE: Pour French dressing over salad and toss to combine.
STEP SIX: Just before serving, add crushed Doritos and toss once more.
PRO TIP:
To crush the chips quickly and mess-free, throw in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush.
HOW TO SERVE TACO SALAD WITH NOODLES
Serve immediately. This taco pasta salad recipe is hearty enough and has all the food groups that it could be served as a meal on a hot day or as a dish to take to a potluck.
You could also make this salad ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just leave out the lettuce and chips until you are ready to use them.
Make a meal of it with our Disney Churro Bites for dessert.
STORING THIS RECIPE FOR TACO PASTA SALAD
IN THE FRIDGE: The chips and lettuce will become soggy after a few hours. If you anticipate storing many of the leftovers, consider adding the chips and lettuce into individual servings only. The salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without the chips and lettuce mixed in.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PASTA TACO SALAD RECIPE
This cheesy Dorito taco pasta salad will be a hit with family and friends. Savory seasoned beef combined with loads of taco toppings. All the best flavors and textures that make tacos a winner!
Recipe For Pasta Taco Salad FAQ
Why is it called taco salad?
This dish is called taco salad as it contains all the delicious ingredients and seasoning that we love when enjoying tacos (cheese, tomatoes, seasoned beef), served in a salad form.
How long will pasta salad last in the fridge?
Pasta salad will last in the fridge for 4-5 days as long as it is sealed in an airtight container.
What do you eat with taco salad?
While this taco salad is hearty enough to eat on its own, you could serve it along with grilled chicken or even just a serving of corn on the cob for added veggies.
Is taco salad supposed to be warm or cold?
Taco pasta salad is best enjoyed cold, although if you prefer to heat it up, it is delicious warm as well.
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Taco Pasta Salad
Taco pasta salad is loaded with flavor where seasoned meat combines with all your favorite taco toppings and a satisfying Dorito crunch, making it a perfect taco flavored side dish or main course.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta cooked, drained, and cooled
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce chopped (about 3 to 4 cups)
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 green onions (green parts only) sliced
- 1 cup French dressing
- 2 cup Nacho cheese Doritos crushed
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and run cold water over the pasta. Set aside.
- Brown ground beef over medium-high heat in a medium skillet. When no pink remains, add taco seasoning and water. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool.
- In a large salad bowl mix together cooled pasta, cooled taco meat, grated cheese, tomato, lettuce, avocado, cilantro, and green onions.
- Pour French dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Just before serving, add crushed Doritos and toss once more.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 892kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1315mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1341IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 4mg
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Comments
Gloria says
Easy and delicious – what a perfect option for summertime!
Cindy says
Which French dressing was used??
Layne Kangas says
You can use any brand of French dressing or switch it up and use Catalina or ranch. Enjoy!
Vicki K Vannatta says
Made a big beautiful bowl of this salad yesterday. Turned out wonderfully. I did change up a bit and used shredded chicken instead of the ground beef. And I reduced the lettuce amount and dorito amount. That kind of allows me to “freshen” the salad a bit the next day. Had a second plate of salad and it was just as good as the first. Really enjoy this stuff. Will be one I will use often this hot summer.