Taco Pasta Salad

5 from 2 votes

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 Time10

Cook Time15

Cool Time10

Total Time35

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 892kcal

Ingredients

16 ounces rotini pasta (cooked, drained, and cooled)
1 pound ground beef
¼ cup taco seasoning
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 cilantro, chopped
2 green onions (green parts only), sliced
1 cup French dressing
2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and run cold water over the pasta. Set aside.
Brown the 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 the French dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos and toss once more.
Serve immediately.

Notes

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 small packets to keep on hand.
Rinsing your pasta under cold water will cool it down and prevent it from sticking.
Use pre-shredded cheese and lettuce to save time when putting together this dish.
To crush the chips quickly and mess-free, throw them in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

Nutrition