Taco Pasta Salad (Printer-Friendly)

Flavorful Tex-Mex fusion with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy zesty dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

→ Meats (optional)

02 - 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
06 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 cup iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded

→ Cheese & Toppings

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
10 - 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
11 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
12 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

13 - 2/3 cup sour cream
14 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
16 - 2 tbsp lime juice
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and let cool.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked meat (if using), cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, lettuce, cheese, and olives.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
06 - Immediately before serving, fold in crushed tortilla chips and cilantro.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This salad proves that taco night and pasta night can finally be friends
  • The creamy dressing coats every single bite perfectly
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble in minutes
02 -
  • The dressing will seem thick but it thins out beautifully as it coats the pasta and vegetables
  • Tortilla chips must be added right before serving or they will become soggy and sad
  • This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for an hour so the flavors meld
03 -
  • Rinse your pasta thoroughly under cold water until it feels completely cool to the touch
  • Let the meat cool before mixing so it does not wilt the fresh vegetables

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