Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and double the black beans, or add a can of pinto beans for variety. You can also include corn or diced zucchini for additional vegetables and texture. Just make sure your taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly.

How can I reduce the spiciness for kids or sensitive palates?

This recipe is easy to adjust for heat level. Use regular cheddar cheese instead of habanero cheddar, skip the jalapeño entirely, and choose a milder dressing like ranch with just a touch of taco seasoning stirred in. You can also use regular nacho cheese Doritos rather than spicy varieties.

Can I prepare this the day before a potluck or party?

Yes, this pasta salad actually improves with some time in the refrigerator! Prepare everything except the lettuce and Doritos up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then fold in the lettuce and crushed chips right before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.

What's the best substitute for Southwest Chipotle Dressing if I can't find it?

If you can't locate Southwest Chipotle dressing, you have several good options. Creamy French or Thousand Island dressings work well as mentioned in the recipe. Alternatively, mix 1 cup of ranch dressing with 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, or combine equal parts sour cream and salsa for a homemade version with authentic flavor.

Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Description

This Taco Pasta Salad combines pasta, ground beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy Southwest Chipotle dressing for a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s a perfect hit for potlucks, barbecues, or as a hearty family meal. Its bold, tangy flavors, combined with a satisfying crunch of Doritos, make it a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta & Meat

1 lb spiral pasta (like cavatappi or rotini)
1 lb ground beef

Seasonings & Dressing

3 tablespoons taco seasoning
16 ounces Southwest Chipotle Dressing (or substitute with Creamy French or Thousand Island dressing)
1 lime, juiced

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional)
3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Extras

8 oz Habanero Cheddar cheese (or any cheddar cheese), cubed
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
4 cups Spicy or Nacho Doritos, lightly crushed

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Cook the spiral pasta according to the package’s directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess oil. Add the cooked beef into the mixing bowl with the pasta.
Mix in Seasoning
Stir the taco seasoning into the pasta and beef mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Add Cheese, Veggies, and Beans
Incorporate the cubed cheese, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, black beans, lime juice, and optional jalapeño. Gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Toss with Dressing
Pour in the Southwest Chipotle Dressing and mix well to evenly coat the salad. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Lettuce and Doritos
Just before serving, gently fold in the shredded iceberg lettuce and crushed Doritos to maintain their texture and crunch.
Optional Substitutes
If desired, substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, and serve lettuce and Doritos on the side to maintain freshness for leftovers.

Notes

To avoid soggy Doritos and lettuce for leftovers, consider serving these ingredients alongside the salad rather than mixing them in.
Hidden Valley Southwest Chipotle Dressing works wonderfully, but Creamy French or Thousand Island are great substitutes if unavailable.
This pasta salad is best prepared at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 440mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg