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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Crunchy Summer Delight

Taco Pasta Salad combines creamy dressing, crunchy Doritos, and classic taco flavors for a perfect summer dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with plain yogurt if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Add more as needed for desired thickness.
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Zest Use lemon zest if lime isn’t available.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice Can substitute with vinegar.
  • 1 medium Jalapeno Pepper Omit for a milder dressing.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Maple syrup can be a substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is preferred.
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Spiral Pasta Substitute with farfalle or penne for variety.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) Can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Homemade seasoning can be used for custom flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt & Pepper Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Shallots or green onions could be a milder alternative.
  • 1 medium Red Pepper Other bell peppers can be used.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Use cherry tomatoes if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Basil can be an alternative for those who dislike cilantro.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese Use any favorite cheese or a cheese blend.
  • 2 cups Nacho Doritos Swap with tortilla chips for a different texture.
  • 2 medium Avocados Opt for another creamy element like creamy dressing if unavailable.

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • colander
  • Spatula
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lime zest, lime juice, chopped jalapeno, granulated sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, breaking it apart until cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled spiral pasta, ground beef, dressing, diced red onion, chopped red pepper, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, to enhance flavor.
  6. Before serving, fold in the shredded cheeses, crushed Doritos, and diced avocados. Adjust dressing consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
  7. Transfer to a decorative platter and garnish with crushed Doritos and fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, chill the salad before serving and add fresh ingredients just before serving for optimal texture.

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