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Ezoic Recipe

Ezoic Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold, spicy flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef with a creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, and rotini pasta. Perfect for a summer BBQ, potluck, or an easy weeknight meal, this salad offers a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired taste and classic pasta salad comfort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, versatile, and ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing and Toppings

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the taco meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, taco-seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-sensitive version.
  • Substitute ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles to alter protein options.
  • Swap sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
  • Add avocado or jalapeños just before serving for extra creaminess or spice.
  • Toss in crushed tortilla chips right before serving for additional crunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Taco Pasta Salad, taco seasoned pasta, ground beef pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Mexican pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, taco salad, meal prep salad

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/ezoic-recipe/