Description
This Taco Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy lime dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings, it offers a delightful fusion of classic taco flavors with a refreshing pasta salad twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 8 oz rotini or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the seasoned meat: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and allow the meat to cool.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro, evenly distributing all ingredients.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the salad: Add the cooled ground beef to the pasta mixture, pour the dressing on top, and toss gently to combine all components thoroughly without mashing the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant meal or refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow flavors to meld for enhanced taste before serving.
Notes
- Use rotini or any short pasta that holds the dressing well like penne or bowtie.
- Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and works well for a lower-fat version.
- For a tangier dressing, add extra lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- This salad can be made a day ahead; just store it covered in the fridge.
- Add diced avocado before serving for a creamy texture and healthful fats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
