Description
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Taco Pasta Salad, where tender pasta meets seasoned meat and crunchy veggies, all enveloped in a creamy ranch dressing. This colorful dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual weeknight dinners, bringing a festive twist to any meal. Quick to prepare and delightful to serve, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water to the meat; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned meat, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Toss well.
- Whisk together ranch dressing and lime juice; pour over the salad mixture and mix until evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg