Taco Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.8
Taco Pasta Salad
Description
The Taco Pasta Salad is built around a hearty mix of cooked cellentani pasta and browned ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning. Black beans add substance and protein, while diced red onions and halved grape tomatoes provide fresh crunch and brightness. Cubed Colby jack cheese offers a mild, creamy element to the salad. The dressing mixes Thousand Island dressing with taco sauce and additional taco seasoning, lending a zesty, slightly sweet and tangy flavor that coats the ingredients evenly.
The salad is prepared by cooling the pasta and seasoned beef before combining all ingredients, ensuring a refreshing, cool dish. Chilling it in the fridge before serving allows the flavors to integrate well. Optional toppings such as fresh lettuce, cilantro, sour cream, and Fritos can be added to enhance texture and presentation.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a filling summer dish or side. It's suitable for gatherings where a flavorful pasta salad is appreciated, and it stores well in the refrigerator for several days, making it convenient for leftovers.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 pound cellentani pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese cubed
For the sauce:
- 2 cups Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoons taco sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Optional toppings:
- cilantro
- lettuce
- sour cream
- fritos
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. 1 pound Cellentani pasta
- In a medium skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain off any fat. 1 pound ground beef
- Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir to mix well. Allow the beef to cool. 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- To a large bowl, add the cooled, cooled pasta, cooked beef, beans, onions, tomato and cheese. Mix well. 15 ounces black beans, ½ cup diced red onion, 1 pint grape tomatoes, 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce. Pour over the pasta mixture and mix well. 2 cups thousand island dressing, 2 tablespoons taco sauce, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Cover and refrigerate until serving. Before serving, top with fresh lettuce, snipped cilantro, Fritos and sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Calorie estimates are based on twelve servings; exact nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
- For precise nutritional information, consider using a dedicated nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 330 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 330kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 737mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 469mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 868IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 164mg | 16% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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