Description
The Taco Pasta Fiesta Salad blends the bold flavors of a taco with the comforting richness of pasta, creating a dish that’s both fun and satisfying. Perfect for parties or a fulfilling family dinner, this salad bursts with color and taste, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- ½ cup (74.5 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup (80 g) yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups (226 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (272 g) Catalina dressing
- 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Doritos, slightly crushed
- Diced iceberg lettuce, optional for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, and stir in taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped jalapeño, diced tomatoes, corn, diced red bell pepper, onion, shredded cheese, and the seasoned taco meat.
3. Add Dressing and Doritos
Stir in Catalina dressing into the salad mixture. Just before serving, mix in the crushed Doritos, reserving a few for garnish.
4. Serve with Garnishments
Serve the salad garnished with additional Doritos chips and chopped lettuce, if desired.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tips for Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It’s best to add the Doritos just before serving to maintain their crunch. If storing leftovers, remove any soggy Doritos and add fresh ones upon reheating.
- For reheating, briefly microwave the beef and pasta mixture without the Doritos, then stir in fresh chips after reheating.
Conclusion
The Taco Pasta Fiesta Salad is a versatile dish that brings a festive touch to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that satisfies all ages or a unique dish to bring to a potluck, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. With its easy preparation and vibrant flavors, it’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.
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Taco Pasta Fiesta Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
The Taco Pasta Fiesta Salad blends the bold flavors of a taco with the comforting richness of pasta, creating a dish that’s both fun and satisfying. Perfect for parties or a fulfilling family dinner, this salad bursts with color and taste, making every bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- ½ cup (74.5 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup (80 g) yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups (226 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (272 g) Catalina dressing
- 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Doritos, slightly crushed
- Diced iceberg lettuce, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, and stir in taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped jalapeño, diced tomatoes, corn, diced red bell pepper, onion, shredded cheese, and the seasoned taco meat.
- Add Dressing and Doritos: Stir in Catalina dressing into the salad mixture. Just before serving, mix in the crushed Doritos, reserving a few for garnish.
- Serve with Garnishments: Serve the salad garnished with additional Doritos chips and chopped lettuce, if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes