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Taco Pasta Salad

Creamy Taco Pasta Salad with a Crunchy Doritos Twist

This Taco Pasta Salad blends taco flavors with creamy pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser at any potluck or family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Adjust according to desired creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Zest Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferable for best taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper Omit for a milder salad or replace with bell pepper.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Omit if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Spiral Pasta Consider substitutes like farfalle or penne.
Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Use store-bought or homemade.
Veggies
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust depending on the sodium content of other ingredients.
  • 1 cup Red Onion Green onions can also work.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Yellow or orange peppers are good alternatives.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can substitute with cherry tomatoes.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Omit for a non-cilantro-friendly version.
Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitute with mild cheddar if preferred.
  • 1 cup Monterrey Jack Cheese Can be replaced with any mild cheese.
Crunch
  • 2 cups Nacho Doritos Can use any flavored corn chips for variation.
  • 1 cup Avocados Substitute with guacamole for added flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro For garnish.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • large pot

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Stir in lime zest, lime juice, jalapeño, sugar, and black pepper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spiral pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and sauté until fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, seasoned beef, and creamy dressing. Gently fold in red onion, red bell pepper, grape tomatoes, and cilantro.
  5. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
  6. Before serving, check dressing consistency and adjust with milk if desired. Fold in cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, crushed Doritos, and avocados.
  7. Garnish with additional crushed Doritos and cilantro. Serve in a large bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill for flavor, toss before serving, and customize your ingredients to fit personal preferences.

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