Description
Ready to upgrade your next party or dinner with a quick dinner idea that delivers on flavor and fun? Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect mash-up of creamy pasta and bold taco flair. Packed with seasoned beef, cheddar, corn, and crunchy chips all wrapped in a zesty sour cream salsa dressing, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, hunting for easy dinner ideas, or need a delicious make-ahead meal, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s great for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you just want bold flavor fast. Try it warm or chilled—either way, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup corn (canned or thawed if frozen)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips or nacho chips
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef. Drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, salsa, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, taco meat, corn, tomatoes, red bell pepper, green onions, and cheese.
5. Pour dressing over and toss to coat. Chill for 30 minutes.
6. Right before serving, mix in lettuce and crushed chips. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Always add the crushed chips just before serving to keep them crunchy.
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or black beans for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: taco pasta salad, taco salad with pasta, quick dinner, potluck recipe, pasta salad idea