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Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad

Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad: A Fun and Flavorful Family Favorite

Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Cook until al dente.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Season with taco seasoning.
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Use homemade for personalized spice.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 4 scallions Green Onions Sliced.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar + Monterey Jack) Any cheese blend can be used.
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Can substitute with ranch dressing.
  • 2 cups Doritos (Crushed) Add just before serving.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse and drain before use.
  • 1 cup Corn Frozen corn works well when thawed.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander
  • large bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine drained rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and shredded cheese. Toss gently until mixed.
  4. Pour Catalina dressing over the salad and fold gently until well-coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors. Fold in crushed Doritos just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Serve immediately after folding in Doritos to ensure crunchiness. The salad can be prepped a day ahead but add crunchy toppings last for freshness.

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