Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Taco Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of pasta, taco ingredients, and Doritos. The seasoned ground beef and corn give it a hearty, savory base, while the creamy, tangy dressing adds richness and flavor. The addition of fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cilantro brings a refreshing contrast, and the Doritos add the perfect amount of crunch. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a fun, crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb pasta (your choice of type)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups Doritos (crushed)
For the Taco Sauce Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup French dressing
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process. Add a splash of olive oil to the pasta water to prevent the noodles from sticking.
2. Prepare the Taco Sauce Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Mexican crema, French dressing, water, pickle relish, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric. Whisk together until smooth and set it aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works great) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and brown it for 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a spatula or meat masher to break the beef apart.
Continue cooking the beef for another 5-6 minutes until it is no longer pink. Add the taco seasoning and mix well. Then add the water and corn, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until the corn is warmed through and the beef reaches 160°F. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 3/4 of the taco sauce dressing and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked ground beef and corn mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
5. Top with Doritos:
Just before serving, fold in the crushed Doritos for an added crunch. If desired, drizzle with the remaining dressing.
6. Serve:
Serve the Taco Pasta Salad immediately, or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dish to prepare.
Variations
- Add Protein: If you want to mix it up, you can add grilled chicken, ground turkey, or black beans for more protein.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the salad or mix in some hot sauce to the dressing.
- More Veggies: You can add more veggies like bell peppers, red onions, or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or beans and use dairy-free dressing.
Storage/Reheating
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The Doritos may lose some crunch, so it’s best to add them right before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta, beef, and dressing ahead of time, but add the Doritos and fresh ingredients just before serving to keep the crunch.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
If you’d like to add cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even cotija cheese would be a great option.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Rinsing the pasta under cool water and adding olive oil right after draining helps prevent sticking.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian version.
5. How long will this salad last in the fridge?
The salad will last up to 1 day in the fridge, but it’s best to eat it fresh, especially with the Doritos for crunch.
6. Can I make this salad spicier?
Yes, you can add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicier taco seasoning to give it an extra kick.
7. How do I store leftover Doritos?
If you have leftover Doritos, store them separately in an airtight container to keep them crunchy. Add them to the salad right before serving.
8. Can I use a different dressing?
You can substitute the creamy taco dressing with ranch, sour cream, or a simple vinaigrette if you prefer a different flavor profile.
9. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
Yes! Feel free to add more veggies like corn, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
10. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes, you can use your homemade taco seasoning for a more customized flavor!
Conclusion
This Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos is a fun and flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of a taco in a hearty pasta salad. With seasoned ground beef, tangy dressing, fresh veggies, and crunchy Doritos, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any casual gathering. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy this tasty and satisfying dish!
Print
Taco Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos combines all the delicious flavors of a taco with the heartiness of pasta. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy taco sauce dressing, it’s topped with crumbled Doritos for the perfect crunch. A fun, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or taco night!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
1 lb pasta (your choice of shape)
1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 cup water
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cups Doritos (crushed)
For the Taco Sauce Dressing:
1/2 cup Mexican crema
1/4 cup French dressing
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process. Add a splash of olive oil to the pasta water to prevent the noodles from sticking.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Mexican crema, French dressing, water, pickle relish, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric. Whisk together until smooth and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it for 4-5 minutes on each side. Break the beef apart with a spatula or meat masher. Continue cooking until it’s fully browned, then add taco seasoning and mix well. Add the water and corn, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 3/4 of the taco sauce dressing and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked ground beef and corn mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
Just before serving, fold in the crushed Doritos for extra crunch. Drizzle with the remaining dressing if desired.
Serve immediately, or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Notes
Add Protein: For more protein, you can add grilled chicken, ground turkey, or black beans.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to spice it up.
More Veggies: Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado for more texture and flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or beans and use dairy-free dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
