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Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos Crunch

If you're looking for a dish that combines the fun of tacos with the heartiness of pasta, look no further than this Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos Crunch. This vibrant dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even a weeknight dinner. With its blend of flavors and textures, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup corn canned or frozen
  • 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 cups crushed Doritos
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet for cooking ground beef
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning. Follow the packet instructions for adding water and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. This mixture should be colorful and vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; you want to keep the textures intact.
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad. Gently fold them in to maintain their crunchiness.
  6. Step 6: If desired, garnish the salad with fresh cilantro for an added pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchiness of the Doritos.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving to retain the Doritos' crunch.