Description

This vibrant Taco Pasta Salad combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty French dressing for a delightful and crunchy meal or side dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Featuring a mix of textures and classic Mexican-inspired ingredients, this salad is easy to make and sure to satisfy cravings with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

16 oz rotini pasta (or other medium-sized noodle)
1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1.5 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup diced green bell pepper
2-3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese
4 cups shredded lettuce

Dressing & Toppings

15 oz French dressing
3 cups slightly crushed nacho cheese or tortilla chips
Chopped cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool to prevent it from making the salad soggy.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat, stir in the taco seasoning evenly, and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, chopped tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, shredded cheese, and shredded lettuce. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Add Dressing: Pour the French dressing over the salad mixture, then toss everything together carefully to coat all components evenly with the dressing.
Add Crunch: Just before serving, fold in the slightly crushed nacho cheese or tortilla chips to provide a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, then serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and balanced flavors.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked black beans or seasoned tofu.
Ensure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing to prevent wilting the lettuce.
Use low-fat French dressing to reduce fat content without compromising taste.
Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and nutrition.
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.