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Ultimate Creamy & Crunchy Taco Pasta Salad

A mound of creamy taco pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, tomatoes, olives, and topped with crushed tortilla chips and green onions.
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Make this easy, cold Taco Pasta Salad for a satisfying meal or potluck side dish. It combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, with an option for a crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons taco sauce or salsa
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Doritos (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning mix and water into the cooked ground beef. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, taco sauce, lime juice, and cumin until smooth. This is your dressing.
  5. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled taco meat mixture, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and corn.
  6. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  7. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
  9. If using, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips or Doritos over the top just before serving for crunch.

Notes

  • You can prepare the meat mixture and the dressing up to one day ahead. Store them separately and combine with the pasta when ready to serve.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground substitute.
  • If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the lime juice slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/taco-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-crunchy/