Description

Taco Pasta Salad – A zesty, flavorful twist on pasta salad! Packed with taco-seasoned beef, fresh veggies, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, all tossed in tangy French dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or an easy meal!

Ingredients

16 oz rotini pasta (or other medium-sized noodle)

1 lb ground beef

3 tablespoons taco seasoning

1.5 cups chopped tomatoes

1 cup diced green bell pepper

2-3 cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

4 cups shredded lettuce

15 oz French dressing

3 cups slightly crushed nacho cheese or tortilla chips

Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat, stir in taco seasoning, and set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, chopped tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, shredded cheese, and shredded lettuce.

Pour in the French dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Just before serving, mix in the crushed nacho cheese or tortilla chips for added crunch.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings: 6-8

Notes

Make Ahead: For best results, prepare the salad without the chips and dressing, then add them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Protein Swap: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or black beans for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Dressing Options: Ranch or a blend of ranch and salsa can be used instead of French dressing for a different flavor twist.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the chips may lose their crunch.