Description
This Ranch Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors with the convenience of a pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or easy meal prep, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Taco Seasoned Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Veggies and Other Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup canned corn (drained)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup salsa
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Cook the Taco Seasoned Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Let the meat cool to room temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seasoned meat, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, red onion, and black olives.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together ranch dressing and salsa until smooth, then pour over the salad. Toss everything gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Add crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving for crunch.
- Use spicy ranch or salsa for an extra kick.
- Great for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
