Name: Taco Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade); 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained); 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup sliced black olives; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro; Crushed tortilla chips; Extra lime wedges

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Okay, picture this: a big bowl of pasta, tossed with seasoned ground beef, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing, all with that irresistible taco flavor. Sounds delicious, right? That’s exactly what this Taco Pasta Salad delivers! It’s the perfect combo of comfort food and fresh flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just a fun meal at home. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer and one that’s sure to become a new favorite. The best part? You can whip it up in no time and customize it to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love Taco Pasta Salad

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back family dinner, bringing a dish to a party, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this salad is the answer. Here’s why it’ll win you over:

Versatile: Taco Pasta Salad is perfect for every occasion, from casual dinners to BBQs. It’s easy to make in advance, so it’s always ready when you are. Plus, it’s just as delicious the next day!

Budget-Friendly: This dish uses everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. No expensive, hard-to-find items here—just pantry staples that come together to create big flavor.

Quick and Easy: With simple steps, even beginners will feel like pros. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, so you’ll be chowing down in no time.

Customizable: Spice it up or keep it mild, add more veggies, or switch out the meat. This recipe is a total blank canvas that you can make your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for kids or adults, this salad is always a hit. It’s fun, flavorful, and satisfying—everything you want in a dish that feeds a group.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of Taco Pasta Salad—it’s made with a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, but when they come together, they create a flavor explosion. Let’s break it down:

Pasta: The base of this salad! Small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are perfect because they hold onto the dressing and taco-seasoned beef. It’s what makes every bite so satisfying.

Ground Beef: The heart of this salad, bringing all that savory, taco-seasoned goodness. As it cooks, it soaks up all the spices and adds a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.

Taco Seasoning: This is where the magic happens. Taco seasoning packs all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite tacos into the salad. It’s a shortcut to perfect seasoning without having to grab a million different spices.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese is a must for that creamy, melty texture that brings everything together. It adds richness to the dish and is the ultimate comfort-food touch.

Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes add a burst of color and sweetness to balance the flavors. They’re the perfect pop of freshness in the midst of all that savory goodness.

Corn: Sweet corn adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. Plus, it pairs so well with the taco flavors.

Black Beans: These beans are the perfect addition—earthy, hearty, and full of protein. They also give the salad that satisfying texture and make it even more filling.

Bell Peppers: Crunchy bell peppers in any color add a nice bite and a pop of sweetness, making the salad feel even more refreshing.

Green Onions: Lightly spicy and fresh, green onions add a nice little kick and a touch of color. They’re the perfect topping for this salad.

Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds freshness and a bright, herbal note that brings everything to life.

Dressing: A creamy dressing, made with ranch and salsa, is the secret to making this salad rich and flavorful. It ties all the ingredients together for a creamy, tangy bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this taco-filled pasta salad:

Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from getting mushy. Set it aside.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, and once it’s browned, add the taco seasoning and a bit of water (as instructed on the seasoning packet). Stir it all together until the beef is fully coated and the seasoning is absorbed. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, and green onions. Mix gently to combine everything.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and salsa until well combined. This creamy dressing with a tangy kick is what makes the salad so addictive.

Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything until it’s evenly coated. Add cilantro for a fresh finish and give it one last mix.

Chill and Serve: If you have time, let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the salad even more delicious. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Taco Pasta Salad on its own or alongside your favorite dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to be the star of any meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Taco Pasta Salad

This Taco Pasta Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with so many sides. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your meal:

Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips to scoop up all that creamy goodness. It’s like having a taco and chips all in one!

Grilled Chicken: If you want to add a little more protein, serve this salad alongside grilled chicken. The smoky flavor complements the taco seasoning perfectly.

Salsa and Sour Cream: For extra taco vibes, serve with a side of salsa and a dollop of sour cream. You can never go wrong with these classic taco toppings.

Guacamole: If you’re a fan of guac (who isn’t?), serve a bowl alongside this salad. The creamy texture and avocado goodness pair perfectly with the fresh, zesty salad.

Side Salad: Want a lighter side? Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta salad.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prep the pasta and ingredients earlier in the day, and toss everything together just before serving.

Add Heat: Love spice? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the dressing for an extra kick.

Make it Veggie-Friendly: Want to skip the meat? Just double up on the beans and corn, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian version of this salad.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps surprisingly well, and the flavors get even better after a few hours.

Double the Batch: This salad is a great one for making in larger batches. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad without ground beef?
A1: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like crumbled tofu or tempeh. The flavor will still be fantastic!

Q2: Can I add more vegetables?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like cucumbers, olives, or avocado for extra crunch and flavor.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the pasta and ingredients earlier in the day and toss everything together just before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, let the salad chill a bit longer before serving it again.

Q5: Can I use a different dressing?
A5: Yes, if you prefer, you can use a different creamy dressing like sour cream mixed with salsa or a homemade ranch dressing.

Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Yes! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to spice things up. Adjust to your heat level!

Q7: Can I freeze Taco Pasta Salad?
A7: It’s not the best to freeze since pasta and dressing may change in texture when thawed. It’s best served fresh or after a couple of days in the fridge.

Q8: How do I reheat Taco Pasta Salad?
A8: If you want to serve it warm, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds, but it’s just as tasty chilled, too!

Q9: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A9: Yes, gluten-free pasta works great in this recipe! Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! This recipe is easy to double for larger groups. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

Conclusion

This Taco Pasta Salad is a total winner—packed with bold flavors, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something comforting and fresh, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s easy, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe! Enjoy!