Best 3 Taco Pasta Salad Recipes

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**Taco Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Fusion of Mexican and Italian Cuisine**

Taco pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting appeal of Italian pasta salad. This innovative recipe takes inspiration from both culinary traditions, resulting in a delightful fusion that tantalizes the taste buds. With a medley of colorful ingredients, including tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad offers afiesta of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more.

In this article, we present two variations of the taco pasta salad recipe: a classic version and a vegetarian version. The classic recipe features savory ground beef that is seasoned to perfection with a blend of taco seasoning and spices, while the vegetarian version offers a hearty combination of black beans, corn, and bell peppers, providing a protein-packed and flavorful alternative. Both recipes are complemented by a tangy and creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, and lime juice, adding a delightful balance of flavors to the salad.

Whether you're hosting a casual gathering, preparing a potluck dish, or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, this taco pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and irresistible flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey that brings together the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in this delectable taco pasta salad.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your taco pasta salad even more delicious. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a flavorful cheese blend.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is the best choice for this salad. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold up well in the salad.
  • Let the salad chill before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up. If you're short on time, you can chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, but the longer you chill it, the better it will taste.
  • Customize the salad to your liking: This recipe is easily customizable. You can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences. Some popular additions include black beans, corn, or avocado.

Conclusion:

Taco pasta salad is a delicious, easy-to-make salad that's perfect for any occasion. It's packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, a barbecue, or a casual get-together, this salad is sure to be a hit.

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