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Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight

This Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta substitute with fusilli or penne if desired
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef can be swapped for ground turkey, chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian version
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning use store-bought or create your own with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder
  • 1 cup Salsa or Taco Sauce choose your favorite brand or a homemade version
For the Veggies
  • 1 can Black Beans alternatives can include kidney or pinto beans
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes any sweet tomato variety will do
  • 2 cups Lettuce thinly sliced iceberg or romaine works best
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese consider mixing with mozzarella for added creaminess

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta, cooking for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Prepare Meat: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain fat, stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with seasoned beef. Gently fold in halved tomatoes, black beans, and cheese. Add lettuce to maintain texture.
  4. Dress Salad: Pour salsa or taco sauce over the mixture and gently toss until coated. This enhances the salad's flavors.
  5. Chill: Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Serve: Toss salad before serving and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Taco Pasta Salad is a versatile dish. Feel free to swap in proteins or veggies based on your preferences. The salad is best when allowed to chill before serving.

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