Best Ever Taco Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
cooked, drained, and cooled
- 1 pound lean ground beef
I like 88% lean
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese
cubed
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
halved
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 orange bell pepper
diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup Catalina dressing
more for serving
- 2 cups crushed Nacho cheese Doritos
- 2 avocados
diced
Directions
- 1
Cook rotini in a pot of salted, boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and run cold water over pasta. Set aside to cool.
- 2
Meanwhile, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat in a skillet until browned. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the meat is evenly seasoned. Set aside to cool.
- 3
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled rotini, cooled taco meat, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, bell pepper, ad black olives.
- 4
Pour the dressing over salad and toss to combine. Adjust to taste.
- 5
Just before serving, add crushed chips and diced avocado and gently toss to combine.
- 6
Serve immediately.
- 7
The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (the chips will become soft.)
- 8
The Catalina dressing is much stronger than when you’re mixing a pasta salad with a vinaigrette or Italian dressing - you will not need as much. However, it will absorb into the pasta so if you toss with the dressing and do not serve the salad until later, you may want to have extra dressing on hand at serving time. French dressing can be substituted for the Catalina.
- 9
The quantities of the different vegetables, herbs, and cheese can be adjusted to taste.
- 10
Be sure to cool the pasta and the meat completely before mixing into the salad. You can make these in advance and chill in the refrigerator - be sure to rinse the pasta well in cold water before chilling in the refrigerator so that it doesn’t stick together.
- 11
A full pound of taco meat isn’t needed - 1/2 or 3/4 of a pound will do just fine in this recipe - it can be a great way to use up leftover taco meat without needing a full pound. You can also swap in your other favorite taco meats like ground turkey, carnitas, grilled chicken, etc.
Best Ever Taco Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that's bursting with flavor and comes together in minutes? This Best Ever Taco Pasta Salad delivers all the zesty, savory goodness of tacos in a satisfying, easy-to-make pasta salad format that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe shines by combining tender rotini pasta with savory seasoned lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy Catalina dressing. The genius lies in the late addition of crushed Nacho cheese Doritos and diced avocado, providing an irresistible crunch and richness that elevates this from a simple pasta salad to an unforgettable meal. It’s designed for maximum flavor impact with minimal fuss, making it a true weeknight hero.
Get ready for a fiesta in every forkful. You'll experience a delightful interplay of textures: the chewiness of perfectly cooked rotini, the savory crumble of well-seasoned ground beef, and the refreshing crispness of grape tomatoes, cilantro, and orange bell pepper. Cubed medium cheddar cheese adds creamy pockets, while sliced black olives provide a briny counterpoint. The Catalina dressing ties everything together with its signature sweet and tangy zest, perfectly complementing the rich Doritos and creamy avocado that are mixed in just before serving. This salad is naturally hearty and satisfying, perfect for a casual meal or gathering.
Feel free to make this Best Ever Taco Pasta Salad your own. Swap the lean ground beef for cooked shredded chicken or a can of drained black beans for a lighter or vegetarian option. Experiment with different bell pepper colors, or add some corn for extra sweetness. If Catalina dressing isn't your preference, a creamy ranch or a zesty salsa-ranch blend would also be delicious. For an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce in the dressing works wonders.
This lively pasta salad is a showstopper for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. It also makes a fantastic, satisfying main dish for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld, and perhaps offer extra Catalina dressing on the side for those who love an extra drizzle.