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Taco Pasta Salad

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of Mexican flavors and a classic pasta salad. Packed with taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, BBQs, and weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make, loaded with fresh ingredients, and can be customized to your taste!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup taco sauce (or salsa)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  • Cook the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  • Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, taco sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  • Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine pasta, cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, green onions, cheese, and olives.
  • Mix in the Dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  • Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Before serving, top with chopped lettuce (if using) and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier dressing.
  • Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding extra beans.
  • Add avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor.
  • Best served chilled, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.