Description
Easy Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef with pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for any occasion—be it a casual lunch, family dinner, or picnic—it offers a delightful twist on traditional salads. This recipe is not only quick to prepare in just 30 minutes but also versatile enough to be served warm or chilled. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces Radiatore pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
- ⅓ cup scallions (chopped)
- 1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
- 1 small head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Radiatore pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water; simmer for 7-10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ranch dressing, adobo sauce, sour cream, and salsa; whisk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with the dressing. Add cheddar cheese, tomatoes, scallions, black beans, romaine lettuce, and seasoned beef. Stir gently to combine; season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
