Taco Pasta Salad
This Easy Taco Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with Mexican-inspired flavours. Quick to make, it's perfect for the next potluck or BBQ. It also makes an excellent side dish or standalone meal for a family dinner.
Servings: 10
Calories: 397kcal
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil divided
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup salsa divided
- 1 /2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup grape tomatoes cut in half
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as directed on the packaging, only to el dente.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp of the olive oil; once hot, add the ground beef, garlic powder, and 3 tablespoons of salsa cook until the meat is completely cooked ( about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Place the beef in a bowl and let it cool.
- While the meat is cooling, wash and chop the ingredients for the salad.
- Add the cooked, rinsed and drained pasta to a large salad bowl. Then add the cooked and cooled beef, tomatoes, bell pepper, green onion, cheese, and green onion. Mix to combine everything.
- Add the rest of the olive oil and salsa followed by the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- If the beef is not cooled before adding it to the salad, the cheese will melt when it is added.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 379mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g