Taco Pasta Salad

Mouthwatering Taco Pasta Salad

It’s barbecue season, and this Taco Pasta Salad Recipe is a must for sharing with friends and family.

Made with Mexican spices and everyone’s favorite cheddar tortilla chips, this recipe gives classic pasta salad a zesty twist!

Pasta salad is definitely a cookout staple, and this tasty version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Taco Pasta Salad Ingredients

This recipe blends tender spiral pasta with ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, peppers, onions, black beans, lime juice, and cilantro, which add loads of south-of-the-border flavor.

Everything is tossed in creamy chipotle dressing (or French Dressing or Thousand Island Dressing if you prefer). The finishing touch is cheesy Doritos tortilla chips for one final tasty kick.

You could also make this recipe with ground turkey instead of traditional ground beef.

How To Make Taco Pasta Salad

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and add to a large bowl.
2. Then, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess oil and add the ground beef to the pasta.
3. Stir in the taco seasonings and mix with the beef and pasta until evenly coated.
4. Next, add in the cheese, pepper, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, black beans, lime juice, and jalapeño pepper (if using) and toss to combine.
5. Then, add in the dressing and toss to coat the salad evenly. I recommend making the pasta salad at least 2 hours before you want to serve it and chilling it in the fridge so the flavor can build.
6. Finally, add the shredded lettuce and crushed Doritos as close to serving as possible so they don’t get soggy.

How To Serve Taco Pasta Salad

I usually serve a bowl of Doritos or Fritos alongside Taco Pasta Salad so guests can grab an extra handful. I’ve definitely been known to scoop up the dressed noodles with a chip — no fork needed!

In fact, this stuff is so hearty, it can be a meal in itself, much like my Taco Salad. All that’s missing is an ice-cold margarita to wash it all down, amirite?

Of course, this dish tastes amazing alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken, too.

Making Taco Pasta Salad Ahead Of Time

If you’re making this recipe in advance or plan on having leftovers, keep the chips and lettuce separate until just before serving. That way, the chips won’t get soggy (plus people sometimes like adding their own).

More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – An instant hit at summertime BBQs and gatherings!
• Antipasti Pasta Salad – Loaded with veggies, cheeses, meats, and herbs!
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – Fresh, vibrant flavor with a kick of heat!
• Classic Macaroni Salad – Full of spices, mouthwatering texture, and a slight tang!
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Cool and creamy with a tangy and subtly sweet taste!