Let’s talk about the kind of recipe that saves the day when you’ve got hungry mouths to feed, barely any time, and a craving for something bold, crunchy, and totally satisfying. This taco pasta salad recipe checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, fun, and crazy easy to throw together. Think taco night meets pasta salad—yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, prepping a weeknight dinner, or just want a dish that’s a total crowd-pleaser (even for picky eaters), this one’s a keeper. Oh, and did I mention it comes together in just 3 steps? That’s what we call a peasy taco pasta salad recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
🌮 It’s super satisfying – Ground beef + cheese + pasta = serious comfort food.
🥗 Surprisingly fresh – Lettuce, tomatoes, and green pepper keep things bright.
⏱ Ready in minutes – No oven, no fuss.
💪 Can be made lighter – Yup, it can totally be a healthy taco pasta salad recipe with a few simple swaps.
Always a hit – Great for potlucks, BBQs, or a fun Taco Tuesday twist.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this taco-pasta masterpiece:
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 lb rotini pasta, cooked and rinsed with cold water
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 oz packet)
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1½ cups French dressing
- 1 (9.75 oz) bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
3 Easy Steps to Make the Best Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
1. Season the Beef
Cook your ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning while it’s still hot. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Good Stuff
In a very large bowl (trust me, you’ll need the space), toss together the cooked rotini, seasoned beef, diced onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese.
3. Dress It Up & Crunch It Down
Pour in the French dressing and stir gently until everything’s well coated. Just before serving, fold in the crushed Doritos. Serve immediately so the chips stay nice and crunchy. And there you have it—taco salad meets pasta salad in the most delicious way.
Emma’s Quick Tips for the Peasy Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
- Don’t mix in the chips too soon! Add the Doritos just before serving to keep their crunch.
- Make it ahead? Absolutely—just leave out the lettuce and chips until you’re ready to serve.
- Want it healthier? Swap ground beef for ground turkey, use whole wheat pasta, and opt for a lighter dressing like a Greek yogurt ranch.
- Veggie boost? Add in corn, black beans, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- Heat it up: Want spice? Throw in some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This easy taco pasta salad recipe became an instant favorite at my house after I brought it to a neighborhood BBQ. I watched as people took one bite… then came back for seconds. Even my kids (who think lettuce is suspicious) went back for more. It’s got that perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory—and it makes you feel like you pulled off something way more impressive than a 20-minute dinner.
Best Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, cook and drain the ground beef. Stir in the taco seasoning until evenly coated.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned beef, cooked rotini, diced green pepper, diced onion, halved grape tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheese.
- Pour in the French dressing and mix until everything is well coated.
- Just before serving, stir in the crushed Doritos for a crunchy texture.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
FAQs About Taco Pasta Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just wait to add the lettuce and chips until just before serving so nothing gets soggy.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Rotini is perfect because it holds onto the dressing and seasoning, but any short pasta like penne or bowtie works too.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the beef and try black beans or a plant-based crumble instead. Still delicious and hearty.
How long does it keep?
Without chips and lettuce mixed in, it’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want More?
If this taco pasta salad recipe hit the spot, you’ll love these other craveable, easy meals:
- Give this Ramen Lasagna a try—yes, it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds.
- For a lighter twist, check out How to Make Low-Fat Yogurt at Home.
- Need an easy protein for meal prep? This Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a must-try.
- And if you’re feeling trendy, the Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread is high-protein and so good.
- Looking to shake things up? These Sushi Rolls with Salmon from Convivial Recipes are light, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—perfect for when you’re feeling a little creative in the kitchen.
Final Scoop
This taco pasta salad recipe is what happens when comfort food meets summer salad. It’s hearty, fresh, easy to customize, and flat-out fun to eat. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or tossing it together for a weeknight win, it’s sure to steal the show—and the chips won’t be the only thing getting crushed. 😉
