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Taco Pasta Salad

Zesty Taco Pasta Salad with Crunchy Doritos Delight

This Taco Pasta Salad combines classic taco flavors with pasta for a fun, crowd-pleasing dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can replace with more mayo or a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Adjust for desired thickness.
  • 1 zest Lime Fresh lime is preferred.
  • 1 juice Lime Imparts brightness and zest.
  • 1 count Jalapeño Pepper Use to taste or omit.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Optional based on preference.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste.
Salad
  • 8 ounces Spiral Pasta Feel free to swap for a different shape.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) Consider ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Homemade variations work well.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Basic seasoning to enhance flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Can substitute with green onions.
  • 1 cup Red Pepper Other bell peppers can be used.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can swap with diced regular tomatoes if needed.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Omit if preferred.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Feel free to use your favorite cheese types.
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Deliver creaminess.
  • 2 cups Nacho Doritos Substitute with another crunchy chip if desired.
  • 1 count Avocados Optional, can be omitted.

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Add the lime zest and juice, jalapeño, sugar, and black pepper, and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, add taco seasoning, and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Let cool.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, beef, and dressing. Add red onion, red pepper, grape tomatoes, and cilantro. Toss gently.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
  6. Before serving, stir in cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, crushed Doritos, and diced avocado. Garnish with extra Doritos and cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors, and if the dressing thickens, add a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.

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