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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: Your New Flavorful Family Favorite

This Taco Pasta Salad combines the hearty satisfaction of tacos and pasta in a customizable, family-friendly meal perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Can substitute with bowtie, penne, or whole wheat pasta.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
  • 15 oz Canned Black Beans Can replace with kidney beans or chickpeas.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with diced regular tomatoes.
  • 15 oz Canned Corn Fresh corn can be used when in season.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can swap in green or yellow bell peppers.
  • 1 small Red Onion Substitute with green onions for milder taste.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Can swap with parsley.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Opt for light mayo for a lower-fat option.
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice Lemon juice can be an alternative.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Consider Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for variation.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Can use vegetable oil.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Consider homemade with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Taco Pasta Salad
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook ground beef for about 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, add taco seasoning and splash of water, stir, and simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat to cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, canned corn, black beans, bell pepper, and onion. Toss gently to mix.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper until creamy and combined.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and fold gently to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Keep toppings like avocado separate until serving for best texture.

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