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Zesty Taco Pasta Salad

Zesty Taco Pasta Salad: Flavor-Packed for Busy Nights

A vibrant and customizable Zesty Taco Pasta Salad, perfect for quick weeknight meals and leftovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 1 pound Dried Rotini Pasta Can swap with gluten-free pasta
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Ground turkey is a lighter alternative
For the Taco Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Adjust for mild or spicy flavor
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Green Onions Sliced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro Parsley can be used instead
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack can be substituted
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing A homemade vinaigrette can be used
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos Add before serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Zesty Taco Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, add taco seasoning and a splash of water, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rotini, browned beef, cherry tomatoes, green onions, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Pour in Catalina dressing and mix until well coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
  5. Before serving, gently stir the salad and fold in Doritos for crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least four hours. Adjust the taco seasoning according to your desired spiciness.

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