Taco Pasta Salad

Introduction

Taco Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty way to bring your favorite taco flavors into a delicious pasta dish. It’s perfect for family meals, weekend get-togethers, or even quick weeknight dinners. This dish is not just easy to make, but it’s also full of color and crunch that everyone will enjoy!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Taco Pasta Salad because it combines all the best bits of a taco into a dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s a great way to use ingredients you may already have at home. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can serve it warm or cold, making it perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you make it, your family will be asking for seconds!

How to Make Taco Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

16 oz. package of rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup grated cheese
1 tomato, diced
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup French dressing

Directions:

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors blend well.
In a big bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, taco beef mixture, grated cheese, diced tomato, chopped lettuce, diced avocado, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Drizzle the mixture with French dressing and toss everything together until well combined.
Serve your tasty Taco Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

How to Serve Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad is best enjoyed as a main dish, but you can also serve it as a side with grilled meats or at BBQs. It looks great on any table and is a sure crowd-pleaser!

How to Store Taco Pasta Salad

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for about 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again!

Tips to Make Taco Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Add more veggies, like bell peppers or corn, for extra crunch.
If you want a spicier kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños!

Variation

You can easily switch up the protein! Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also make it vegetarian by using black beans or chickpeas!

FAQs

Can I make Taco Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.
What if I don’t have rotini pasta?
No problem! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni or penne.
Can I freeze Taco Pasta Salad?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers without the dressing. Just thaw, reheat, and then add the dressing before serving.