Description
This Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines hearty rotini pasta with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, shredded cheese, and a tangy French dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it comes together in just 25 minutes and offers a delightful mix of textures and southwestern-inspired flavors. Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this salad is topped with crunchy nacho cheese chips and optional fresh cilantro for an extra burst of taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz rotini pasta (or other medium-sized noodle)
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1.5 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2-3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
Dressing and Crunch
- 15 oz French dressing
- 3 cups slightly crushed nacho cheese or tortilla chips
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is well coated. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, chopped tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, shredded Mexican-style cheese, and shredded lettuce. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing: Pour the French dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together carefully until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Add Crunch: Just before serving, fold in the slightly crushed nacho cheese or tortilla chips to add a satisfying crunchy texture to the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the chips; avoid mixing chips too far in advance.
- Substitute French dressing with a creamy or spicy dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead by cooking and cooling the pasta and beef separately and combining just before serving.
- Adding diced onions or sliced black olives can enhance the flavor complexity.
