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Quick Taco Pasta Salad

Quick Taco Pasta Salad: Zesty, Easy, and Totally Delicious

Quick Taco Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of vibrant flavors, perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 for a delicious balance.
  • 8 ounces Rotini Cook until al dente for optimal texture.
  • 1 cup Green Pepper Diced into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped finely for even incorporation.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Halved for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Jack Cheese Shredded for a melty touch.
  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce Shredded into small pieces for the best bite.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Sliced for convenience.
For the Dressing
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning McCormick's Mild recommended.
  • 1/2 cup French Dressing Wish-Bone recommended for best flavor.
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Doritos Crushed and sprinkled just before serving.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick Taco Pasta Salad
  1. Prep the Vegetables: Dice green pepper, chop yellow onion, halve grape tomatoes, slice black olives, and shred iceberg lettuce.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add rotini, cook 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain, and cool.
  3. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked rotini, browned beef, diced vegetables, cheese, and olives.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour French dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Add Crunch Before Serving: Crush Doritos and sprinkle over just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for potlucks and can be customized with different proteins and dressings.

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