Description
This Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender rotini pasta with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy lime dressing. Perfect as a quick and satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing side, it’s ready in just 25 minutes and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz rotini or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly, then set aside.
- Prepare the meat: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix the salad: Add the cooled ground meat to the pasta and vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Chill and serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld for best flavor.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Ensure pasta is rinsed well to prevent it from sticking and to cool it quickly.
