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Quick and Creamy Taco Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Side

A close-up of creamy taco pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, and topped with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and black olives.
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Create this easy, flavorful Taco Pasta Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a zesty, creamy dressing. It is a perfect make-ahead side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup French dressing
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Doritos (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning mix and water into the cooked ground beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and let the seasoned beef cool completely.
  4. While the beef cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, French dressing, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates the zesty dressing you want for bold flavor.
  5. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled seasoned beef, shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, chopped tomato, red onion, and black olives (if using).
  6. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to blend. This make-ahead step improves the taste.
  8. Before serving this crowd-pleasing pasta salad, give it one final toss. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips or Doritos over the top for crunch, if desired.

Notes

  • For best results and maximum flavor absorption, prepare this salad at least one hour ahead of serving.
  • If you are making this for a potluck, keep the crunchy topping separate and add it right before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/taco-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-side/