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–+ servings
Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad Bliss: A Fun Spin for Your Next BBQ

This Taco Pasta Salad is a colorful, family-friendly dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing for a delightful twist on taco night.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Cooked until al dente
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped, any color
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely chopped
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with turkey or black beans
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be used
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Black Olives
  • 1 cup Corn
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips Add just before serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water; simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
  3. Dice the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion. Prepare them on a cutting board.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, and seasoning until smooth.
  5. In a large bowl, mix together cooled pasta, taco meat, diced vegetables, and cheddar cheese. Toss with dressing until well-coated.
  6. Add optional toppings just before serving and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, rinse pasta in cold water and taste taco meat before mixing for flavor adjustment. Add toppings just before serving to maintain texture.

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