Fiesta Taco Pasta Salad
This Fiesta Taco Pasta Salad is a colorful and satisfying dish that blends the zesty flavors of taco seasoning with hearty pasta, fresh vegetables, and crunchy toppings. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe invites customization with optional ingredients like black olives, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeños, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Easy to prepare and serve, it's a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds—everyone's favorite tacos and a refreshing pasta salad!
8
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Taco Seasoning
1 package (n/a)
Spiral-Shaped Pasta
8 ounces (cooked, drained, and cooled)
Tomatoes
5 medium (diced)
Green Peppers
2 medium (diced)
Shredded Cheddar or Colby Cheese
1 lb (n/a)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Iceberg Lettuce
1 head (chopped)
Taco Plain Doritos
7 ounces (crushed)
Western Salad Dressing or Catalina Dressing
1 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, cook the spiral-shaped pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, and return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions, and allow to simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat and cool.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled beef mixture with the cooled pasta. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.
4
The next day, add the diced tomatoes, green peppers, and chopped onions to the beef and pasta mixture. Gently fold to combine all the ingredients.
5
Just before serving, add the chopped iceberg lettuce, crushed Doritos, and your choice of salad dressing to the bowl. Toss gently to mix, ensuring everything is coated with the dressing and the chips remain crunchy.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Fiesta Taco Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
43.75g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiesta Taco Pasta Salad?
It is a colorful dish blending taco seasoning, hearty pasta, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Doritos, perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Spiral-shaped pasta is recommended for this recipe.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef.
How should I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain the excess fat, and simmer it with taco seasoning.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
How long should the beef and pasta mixture chill?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight to let the flavors meld.
When should I add the tomatoes and peppers?
Add the diced tomatoes, green peppers, and onions the next day, after the pasta and beef have chilled overnight.
When is the best time to add the Doritos?
Add the crushed Doritos just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.
What kind of salad dressing should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of Western Salad Dressing or Catalina Dressing.
Which type of cheese is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shredded Cheddar or Colby cheese.
What kind of lettuce should be used?
Use one head of chopped iceberg lettuce for a refreshing crunch.
Can I add jalapeños to this recipe?
Yes, jalapeños are an optional ingredient if you want to add a spicy kick.
Are there any other optional toppings?
Yes, you can customize the salad with optional ingredients like black olives and creamy avocado.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 18.75g of protein.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 18.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 43.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What flavor of Doritos is specified?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of Taco Plain Doritos.
How many tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 5 medium diced tomatoes.
How many green peppers are included?
You will need 2 medium green peppers, diced.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a '< 60 Mins' meal, though it does benefit from overnight chilling.
Can this be served at a potluck?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a great potluck and family dinner dish.
What size of pasta package should I buy?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of spiral-shaped pasta.
Should the beef be hot when mixed with the pasta?
No, you should allow the seasoned beef to cool before combining it with the pasta.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 medium chopped onion.
Do I add the dressing before refrigerating?
No, the dressing should be added just before serving along with the lettuce and chips.
Can I use any taco seasoning?
Yes, one standard package of your preferred taco seasoning is sufficient.
What if I can't find Western dressing?
Catalina dressing is a perfect substitute for Western dressing in this recipe.