Creamy Taco Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion
diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons garlic
2 cloves
- 1 pound small pasta
like macaroni
- 2 tomatoes
diced
- 1 bunch green onion
chopped
- 1 15- ounce can sweet corn
- 1 3- ounce can sliced olives
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado
diced
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
Directions
- 1
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, ground beef and garlic and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain and cool.
- 2
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- 3
Once cooled, gently stir ground beef into macaroni.
- 4
Combine Creamy Taco Dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Pour over macaroni and beef mixture and stir until completely coated.
- 5
Gently stir in tomatoes, green onions, corn, olives and cheese. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 6
Top with diced avocado and tortilla chips just before serving.
Creamy Taco Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Ready to bring a burst of flavor to your next gathering or weeknight meal? This Creamy Taco Pasta Salad is your answer, perfectly blending savory taco goodness with satisfying pasta, making it an ideal dish for any occasion, especially picnic season. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its rich and vibrant Creamy Taco Dressing, a harmonious blend of salsa, sour cream, and a thoughtfully chosen mix of spices including chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. This creamy base generously coats every piece of tender pasta, ensuring each bite delivers a delightful explosion of flavor, complemented by well-seasoned ground beef and a medley of fresh taco toppings. Imagine a forkful of tender small pasta, like macaroni, generously coated in a tangy, savory dressing with just the right kick from chili powder and cumin. You'll encounter the hearty texture of ground beef, bright pops of diced tomato and sweet corn, and the briny notes of sliced olives. Creamy avocado, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, and a satisfying crunch from crushed tortilla chips complete the experience, offering a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures. This pasta salad is a delightful blend of fresh, creamy, and savory elements, designed to be both refreshing and deeply satisfying. While fantastic as is, this Creamy Taco Pasta Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different small pasta shapes beyond macaroni, such as ditalini or small shells, to change the texture. For an extra vegetable boost, you can increase the amounts of sweet corn, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the chili powder to your taste. To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and increase the quantity of your favorite vegetables already in the recipe, like corn or olives, for added substance. This crave-worthy pasta salad shines as the star of any potluck, picnic, or backyard barbecue. It's also a fantastic, complete meal on its own, offering a flavorful and satisfying option that everyone will love.