Description
Easy Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that combines the bold flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef with hearty pasta. Perfect for picnics, family dinners, or meal prep, this salad brings together fresh ingredients like tomatoes, black beans, and cheddar cheese all coated in a creamy ranch dressing. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that will impress your guests or family alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces Radiatore pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
- ⅓ cup scallions (chopped)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 6 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1⅓ cups ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Radiatore pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente; drain and cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, then drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened.
- In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, adobo sauce, sour cream, and salsa.
- Combine cooled pasta with the dressing in a large bowl. Add cheese, tomatoes, scallions, black beans, romaine lettuce, and seasoned beef; mix until well-coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (230g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added crunch, serve with tortilla chips. Customize by adding avocado or different vegetables according to preference. To enhance flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.