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Easy Zesty Taco Pasta Salad

Easy Zesty Taco Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and delicious taco pasta salad combining tangy lime, smoky taco seasoning, fresh cilantro, and crisp veggies for a refreshing and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or shell pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey, browned and drained (or black beans for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (light or dairy-free if preferred)
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef or turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice red onion, chop cilantro, rinse and drain black beans, and measure corn kernels.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, browned meat, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. Drain excess fat from meat to avoid greasiness. Adjust lime juice and seasoning to taste. For best flavor, chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. If dry after chilling, stir in extra mayonnaise or lime juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, easy pasta salad, taco salad, quick dinner, potluck recipe, family meal, zesty salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-zesty-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-for-quick-and-delicious-meals/