Three Pasta Salads for Cinco de Mayo

Three Pasta Salads for Cinco de Mayo

Introduction

Cinco de Mayo is a perfect time to enjoy vibrant flavors and crowd-pleasing dishes. One of the best ways to celebrate is with pasta salads that are easy to make and full of delicious ingredients. Here, we present three fantastic pasta salad recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make your festivities memorable.

Why Make This Recipe

Pasta salads are not only tasty but also versatile and satisfying. With each recipe bringing its unique flair, these salads are great for potlucks, barbecues, or simply enjoying with friends and family. They can be made ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the celebrations. Plus, they incorporate classic Mexican flavors, making them a great fit for any Cinco de Mayo gathering.

How to Make Taco Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 16-ounce package of rotini pasta
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/4 cup of taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of grated cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
• Green parts of 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup of French dressing
• 2 cups of crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

Directions:

1. Cook rotini according to package instructions, drain, and cool.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with taco seasoning and water until done.
3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, add the beef mixture, and toss.
4. Top with crushed Doritos before serving.

How to Serve Taco Pasta Salad

Serve this salad in a large bowl for a colorful presentation. You can also put it into individual servings for easy grabbing.

How to Store Taco Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier!

Tips to Make Taco Pasta Salad

• You can add your favorite vegetables or beans for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less taco seasoning.

Variation

Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian option to suit different dietary preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge.

2. What if I don’t have rotini?
   Any pasta shape will work; just ensure it can hold the ingredients well.

3. Can I use a different dressing?
   Absolutely! You can use salsa, ranch dressing, or any dressing you like.

How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1 pound of smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can of whole kernel sweet corn, drained
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 1/4 cups of halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of thinly sliced green onion
• 2 cups of finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with red pepper flakes until browned.
3. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, beef, bacon, corn, beans, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
4. For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Combine with the salad.

How to Serve Cowboy Pasta Salad

Serve in a large bowl, and for added fun, garnish with extra bacon bits or cheese on top.

How to Store Cowboy Pasta Salad

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tips to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad

• Customize it by adding jalapeños for some heat or bell peppers for crunch.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.

Variation

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by leaving out the beef and bacon and adding more beans or vegetables instead.

FAQs

1. How can I make it spicier?
   Add more sriracha or some chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat.

2. Can I use regular pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
   Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   You can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.

How to Make Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces of elbow macaroni
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, mix macaroni with chopped celery, red pepper, carrots, mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mustard, green onions, and parsley until well combined.
3. Chill before serving.

How to Serve Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad

Serve this salad chilled in individual cups or a large bowl as a side dish.

How to Store Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad

Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days for the best taste.

Tips to Make Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad

• You can add chopped pickles or olives for an extra kick.
• Let it sit for a few hours to enhance the flavors.

Variation

Try adding diced ham or turkey for extra protein, or swap the veggies for your favorites!

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad a day in advance?
   Yes! This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

2. Is it necessary to use sour cream?
   It’s optional, but it adds creaminess. You can omit it if you prefer.

3. What kinds of vegetables can I use?
   You can use any veggies you enjoy, such as peas, cucumbers, or bell peppers.

Enjoy these three delicious pasta salads this Cinco de Mayo! They’ll add flavor and fun to your festivities.