Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea or a make-ahead meal that’s bold, colorful, and satisfying? This Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of Tex-Mex flavors and pasta night comfort. Packed with seasoned taco meat, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and al dente pasta, it’s the ultimate easy recipe for lunch prep, potlucks, or weeknight meals. Great both warm or chilled, and fully customizable with your favorite taco toppings — this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in your collection of dinner ideas, food ideas, and healthy snack options.
Ingredients
225g rotini pasta
250g ground beef or turkey
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
75g cotija cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
1 lime, cut into wedges
(optional) 100g canned corn, drained
(optional) 100g black beans, rinsed
(optional) 1 avocado, diced
(optional) jalapeños, sliced
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until well coated. Let cool.
3. Chop the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil and juice from half the lime. This will act as a light dressing.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, taco meat, chopped vegetables, cotija cheese, and optional add-ins like corn or beans.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Taste and adjust with extra lime juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with avocado, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Notes
Use fresh herbs and vegetables for best flavor and crunch.
Let the salad chill before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Add crunchy toppings like tortilla strips right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: taco pasta salad, easy recipe, dinner ideas, quick lunch, food ideas, healthy snack