Taco Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect fusion of tacos and pasta in our Taco Pasta Salad. This
easy, make-ahead recipe is a hit at any party or family meal.

Servings: 12

Author:

Prep Time
35 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Salad

Mexican

salad taco

Instructions

1 Whisk together all of the Dressing ingredients in a medium bowl; refrigerate.
2 Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Rinse
with cold water and drain. Add to a very large serving bowl and toss with a
drizzle of olive oil.
3 Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
Stir in all of the spices, followed by 2 tablespoons water and green chilies.
Set aside to cool while you chop your veggies.
4 Add the beef and the pasta salad ingredients to the pasta (beans through the
cheese blend).
5 If serving immediately: Proceed to add the avocados and lettuce. Toss with all
of the dressing. Add the Doritos right before serving and toss again. Season to
taste. If you expect leftovers, you may want to hold the Doritos and let
everyone add them to their own servings; they will lose their crunch fairly
quickly.
6 If not serving immediately: Hold the lettuce, avocados, and Doritos. Toss the
pasta salad with HALF of the dressing, cover, and refrigerate. Bring the pasta
salad to room temperature before serving by letting it sit on the counter for 30
minutes or so. When ready to serve, add the lettuce, avocados, and Doritos. Toss
with the remaining dressing. Season to taste. If you expect leftovers, you may
want to hold the Doritos and let everyone add them to their own servings; they
will lose their crunch fairly quickly.