Description
Introducing the Taco Fusion Pasta Salad – a lively blend that marries the hearty zest of taco-flavored meat with the crisp texture of fresh vegetables and smooth fusilli pasta. Perfect for social gatherings, potlucks, or as an exciting family meal, this dish offers a burst of flavors and textures that satisfy both taco lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb taco meat (ground beef cooked with taco seasonings), cooled
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, de-seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chunky salsa
- 2 stalks scallions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup minced cilantro
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 lb fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
- Juice of 1 lime
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Taco Meat
If using leftover taco meat, ensure it is cooled completely. If starting from scratch, brown 1 lb of ground beef, drain the excess oil, and mix in taco seasoning before letting it cool.
2. Prep the Vegetables and Cheese
In a large bowl, mix the chopped green and orange bell peppers, tomato, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, scallions, and cilantro.
3. Combine with Other Ingredients
Add the cooled taco meat and sour cream to the bowl with the vegetables and cheese.
4. Cook the Pasta
Boil the fusilli pasta in a large pot of water according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
5. Mix Pasta with Other Ingredients
Combine the cooled pasta with the taco meat mixture in the large bowl.
6. Add the Finishing Touches
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the prepared salad and give everything a thorough mix to blend the flavors.
Servings and Preparation Time
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, cooking time around 20 minutes, leading to a total time of about 40 minutes, provided the taco meat is precooked.
Tips for Storage and Reheating
- Storing: Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container; it should last for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Ideally, enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer the meat warm, it can be heated separately before adding to the salad.
Conclusion
The Taco Fusion Pasta Salad is a versatile and colorful dish that brings a creative twist to traditional pasta salads. It’s both filling and refreshing, with a delightful mix of textures from creamy sauces, crunchy vegetables, and al dente pasta, completed with the zesty flavor of lime. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive weekend BBQ, this salad is designed to please a crowd and cater to a range of tastes.
Print
Taco Fusion Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Introducing the Taco Fusion Pasta Salad – a lively blend that marries the hearty zest of taco-flavored meat with the crisp texture of fresh vegetables and smooth fusilli pasta. Perfect for social gatherings, potlucks, or as an exciting family meal, this dish offers a burst of flavors and textures that satisfy both taco lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb taco meat (ground beef cooked with taco seasonings), cooled
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, de-seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chunky salsa
- 2 stalks scallions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup minced cilantro
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 lb fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Taco Meat: If using leftover taco meat, ensure it is cooled completely. If starting from scratch, brown 1 lb of ground beef, drain the excess oil, and mix in taco seasoning before letting it cool.
- Prep the Vegetables and Cheese: In a large bowl, mix the chopped green and orange bell peppers, tomato, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, scallions, and cilantro.
- Combine with Other Ingredients: Add the cooled taco meat and sour cream to the bowl with the vegetables and cheese.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fusilli pasta in a large pot of water according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- Mix Pasta with Other Ingredients: Combine the cooled pasta with the taco meat mixture in the large bowl.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the prepared salad and give everything a thorough mix to blend the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes