Taco Pasta Salad
Discover the perfect fusion of tacos and pasta in our Taco Pasta Salad. This easy, make-ahead recipe is a hit at any party or family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound rotini or other medium pasta
- 1 15 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ cups sweet corn fresh or canned
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup black olives halved, optional
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoons diced pickled jalapenos from 4-ounce can, more or less to taste
- 1 cup cilantro chopped, measure before chopping
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 avocados ripe but slightly firm, chopped, optional
- 1 9.5 oz. bag Nacho Doritos crushed
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream may sub Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup medium salsa
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together all of the Dressing ingredients in a medium bowl; refrigerate.
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain. Add to a very large serving bowl and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease. Stir in all of the spices, followed by 2 tablespoons water and green chilies. Set aside to cool while you chop your veggies.
- Add the beef and the pasta salad ingredients to the pasta (beans through the cheese blend).
- If serving immediately: Proceed to add the avocados and lettuce. Toss with all of the dressing. Add the Doritos right before serving and toss again. Season to taste. If you expect leftovers, you may want to hold the Doritos and let everyone add them to their own servings; they will lose their crunch fairly quickly.
- If not serving immediately: Hold the lettuce, avocados, and Doritos. Toss the pasta salad with HALF of the dressing, cover, and refrigerate. Bring the pasta salad to room temperature before serving by letting it sit on the counter for 30 minutes or so. When ready to serve, add the lettuce, avocados, and Doritos. Toss with the remaining dressing. Season to taste. If you expect leftovers, you may want to hold the Doritos and let everyone add them to their own servings; they will lose their crunch fairly quickly.