Description
This Ranch Taco Pasta Salad combines hearty taco-seasoned ground beef with rotini pasta and fresh, crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a creamy ranch and salsa dressing. Perfect for potlucks or a flavorful main course salad, it’s easy to prepare and packs a satisfying, Mexican-inspired twist in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
Cheese and Dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup salsa
Optional Toppings
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely, stopping the cooking process and preventing the pasta from sticking.
- Prepare Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water, then simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, taco meat, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, green onions, and lettuce. This creates a colorful and flavorful base for the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and salsa until smooth and well combined. This adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the salsa and taco seasoning.
- Toss Salad: Pour the ranch and salsa dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated without smashing the veggies or pasta.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the salad to chill, enhancing its refreshing taste.
- Serve: Just before serving, top the salad with any optional toppings like crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for added texture and brightness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead to save time.
- Add lettuce and optional toppings right before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
- If substituting ground turkey, cook thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed.
