Not Your Average Pasta Salad—These Are Loaded!
Are you ready for a pasta salad that breaks the mold? This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s both fun and delicious. Packed with flavor and various ingredients, this loaded pasta salad will please everyone at your table. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a satisfying meal on its own!
Why Make This Recipe
Why settle for the ordinary? This loaded pasta salad brings together different tastes and textures that will excite your palate. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners. With ingredients like ground beef, smoked bacon, and plenty of cheese, this dish is filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making meal planning a breeze!
How to Make Not Your Average Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/8 tsp pepper flakes
- 1 lb smoked bacon
- 1 can sweet corn
- 1 oz black beans
- 2 1/4 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups diced whole dill pickles
- 1 1/2 cups cubed cheddar or Colby-jack cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup French dressing
- 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
Directions:
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For Cowboy Pasta Salad: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and brown the ground beef. Once browned, add the pepper flakes, smoked bacon (cooked and chopped), sweet corn, black beans, chopped tomatoes, green onion, and cheddar cheese. Toss with the cooked macaroni and chill in the fridge.
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For Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: Cook the rotini according to package instructions. In a bowl, mix diced dill pickles, cubed cheddar cheese, fresh dill, mayonnaise, sour cream, dried dill, onion powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and dill pickle juice. Combine this mixture with the cooked rotini and chill.
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For Taco Pasta Salad: Cook the rotini. In a pan, brown the ground beef and add taco seasoning and water. Combine this with the cooked rotini, grated cheese, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, cilantro, sliced green onions, and French dressing. Top with crushed Doritos and chill before serving.
How to Serve Not Your Average Pasta Salad
Serve this loaded pasta salad chilled for the best flavor. You can place it in a large serving bowl and garnish with extra green onions or crushed Doritos on top for a fun crunch. Everyone will love digging into this colorful and hearty dish!
How to Store Not Your Average Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad can be kept fresh for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the Doritos may become soggy if stored with the salad, so consider adding them fresh just before serving.
Tips to Make Not Your Average Pasta Salad
- Make Ahead: Prepare this salad a day in advance. It tastes even better after the flavors meld together overnight!
- Add Crunch: If you want extra crunch, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Customize: Feel free to swap out or add ingredients to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible!
Variation
You can easily create different versions of this salad. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with black beans or chickpeas. You can also change the dressing to ranch or a vinaigrette for a new twist!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions. -
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and can be made in advance. -
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the ingredients might change once thawed.
Dive into this loaded pasta salad and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
