Best 4 Merlies Taco Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey with Merlie's Taco Pasta Salad, a vibrant fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors. This delectable dish combines the zest of taco fillings with the comforting goodness of pasta salad, creating a symphony of taste that will tantalize your palate.

Immerse yourself in a fiesta of flavors with the classic Taco Pasta Salad, a harmonious blend of taco-seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and a burst of flavor from taco seasoning. Douse it with a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and a hint of lime, creating a perfect balance of creaminess and spice.

For a vegetarian twist, dive into the Black Bean and Corn Taco Pasta Salad, a vibrant medley of black beans, corn, red onion, and bell peppers tossed in a zesty dressing. This meatless delight is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative.

If you crave a creamy and cheesy indulgence, the Taco Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is your perfect match. This luscious salad combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, and a velvety avocado dressing that adds a rich and creamy touch to every bite.

Finally, embark on a taste adventure with the Taco Spaghetti Salad, a unique fusion of classic spaghetti with zesty taco fillings. This innovative dish combines spaghetti, ground beef, taco seasoning, and a blend of vegetables, all coated in a tangy dressing. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that will leave you craving more.

So gather your ingredients, ignite your culinary passion, and embark on a delightful journey of flavors with Merlie's Taco Pasta Salad and its diverse variations. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for a fiesta of flavors.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MERLIE'S TACO PASTA SALAD

Merlie's Taco Pasta Salad image

I have a dear friend from Illinois that made this pasta salad for me and my family when she was here visiting me in Montreal. Its makes a ton of salad but its ever so yummy!

Provided by Lorrie in Montreal

Categories < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 (16 ounce) boxes tri-colored rotini pasta
2 lbs ground beef
2 (2 ounce) packages taco seasoning mix
2 green peppers, chopped
2 yellow onions, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 cups sliced pepperoni (your fave)
2 (1 liter) bottles western salad dressing
1 (16 ounce) bag shredded mexican cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta and set aside.
Brown Ground beef and add taco mix as directed on package.
Add half the onions and peppers and saute till lightly softened.
Transfer to a large bowl then add the remaining ingredients.
Use 1 1/2 bottles of dressing and add more if you like it juicier.
Serve warm or chilled the next day.
I noticed I enjoyed it even more the second day once the flavours had a chance to mingle.
I have never seen Western salad dressing here in Canada -- Merlie brought it from the states.
This makes a huge amount -- good for big family get-togethers or PotLucks.
If I made it again I would half all the ingredients.

TACO PASTA SALAD

Taco Pasta Salad image

My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. -Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing
Tortilla chips

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning; cool., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, green pepper and dressing; toss to coat. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624 calories, Fat 30g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 1454mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

PASTA TACO SALAD

Pasta Taco Salad image

I've taken this dish to 4-H potlucks, church functions and my parents' 50th anniversary party. I also make it for guests. It's a salad with a little spunk!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12-14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1-1/4 cups mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
3-3/4 teaspoons cider vinegar
3-3/4 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon ground mustard
7 cups torn iceberg lettuce
1 to 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 to 2 cups crushed nacho tortilla chips

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning; heat through. , In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar and mustard; set aside. , Drain pasta; place in a large bowl. Add beef and mayonnaise mixture; toss to coat. Add lettuce, tomatoes and cheese; toss to combine. Sprinkle with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts :

TACO PASTA SALAD

Taco Pasta Salad image

Two favorite salads meet in this fun side dish - a taco and pasta salad perfect for parties.

Provided by mssyann8

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup French salad dressing
1 (7 ounce) bag corn chips
2 tablespoons sour cream

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spiral pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in ground beef. Cook and stir until beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir taco seasoning into beef mixture; cool.
Stir beef mixture into pasta; toss lettuce, tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, onion, French dressing, and corn chips into pasta mixture. Top with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 618.3 calories, Carbohydrate 46.4 g, Cholesterol 68.3 mg, Fat 38.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 22.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 980.4 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

Tips:

Choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and succulent meats will make all the difference.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations. There are endless possibilities when it comes to taco pasta salad, so get creative and have fun with it.
Make sure to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve the salad with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.

Conclusion:

Taco pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, can be tailored to your own taste preferences, and is always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give taco pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!