Dinner

Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

ByRafael Mansero February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

Introduction

This Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful twist on classic taco ingredients combined with pasta for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for potlucks or a casual family meal, it blends seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and crunchy Doritos in a creamy Catalina dressing.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 medium Roma tomato, finely diced
1 can (15.25 ounces) corn kernels, drained
½ cup (74.5 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
½ cup (80 g) yellow onion, diced
2 cups (226 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup (272 g) Catalina dressing
1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Doritos, slightly crushed, reserving a few for topping
Diced iceberg lettuce (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef and stir well to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced jalapeño, Roma tomato, corn kernels, red bell pepper, yellow onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and the seasoned beef.
Step 4: Pour the Catalina dressing over the mixture and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
Step 5: Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad and toss lightly to incorporate. Reserve some chips for garnish.
Step 6: Serve the salad garnished with extra Doritos and diced iceberg lettuce if desired for a fresh crunch.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add black beans or cooked lentils instead.
Use your favorite taco seasoning blend or make your own for a personalized flavor.
Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Serve immediately after adding the Doritos to keep them crunchy; store leftover salad separately from chips.

Storage

Store the taco pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Doritos separate until serving to maintain their crunch. Reheat the salad briefly if desired, but it is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a pasta salad that has at least four visible layers: twisted cooked rotini pasta in pale yellow, small chunks of cooked ground beef in brown, shredded cheddar cheese in bright orange, and diced red bell peppers and green peppers scattered throughout. A thick reddish-orange dressing is being poured over the salad, creating a shiny wet layer on top of the other ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shape like bowtie, penne, or macaroni works well. Just cook it al dente for the best texture.

Is Catalina dressing the only option?

While Catalina dressing adds a unique tangy-sweet flavor, you can substitute with a mild French dressing or a simple mix of ketchup and mayonnaise if preferred.

Rafael Mansero