Nani's Favorite Taco Pasta Salad
This crowd pleasing pasta salad brings all the bold flavors of your favorite taco night to a cool and refreshing bowl.
recipesbynani.comThis dish is a staple in my house because it is so easy to throw together for busy weeknights or a sunny afternoon picnic. Everyone loves how the zesty taco seasoning coats the pasta while the fresh vegetables add a wonderful crunch that keeps you coming back for another scoop.
My biggest tip is to rinse your pasta with cold water right after draining it. This stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles from getting mushy when you mix them with the warm meat and dressing.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 ounces rotini or macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup chunky salsa
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
- 2
While the water boils, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- 3
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes before removing from the heat to cool slightly.
- 4
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water until it is completely cool.
- 5
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, beans, and corn.
- 6
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and salsa.
- 7
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately or keep it chilled in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors blend.
💡 Tips
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If the salad seems a bit dry the next day, just stir in an extra tablespoon of ranch or salsa before serving. This is great served with extra tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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