• About
    • PR Info
  • Recipe Index
  • By Course
    • Appetizer
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soup
  • Holidays
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall
    • New Year’s Eve
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • By Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Casseroles
    • Dutch Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Rebecca’s Faves
Get recipes in your inbox
sign up!
Get recipes in your inbox
sign up!

Sugar and Soul

Recipes for Busy Families and Special Occasions

  • About
    • PR Info
  • Recipe Index
  • By Course
    • Appetizer
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soup
  • Holidays
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall
    • New Year’s Eve
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • By Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Casseroles
    • Dutch Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Beverages
    • Cocktails
    • Non-Alcoholic
    • Punch & Sangria
  • Desserts
    • Brownies
    • Cake
    • Cheesecake
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Frosting
    • Fudge
    • Pie
  • Dinner Time
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Beef
    • Casseroles
    • Chicken
    • Pasta
    • Pork
    • Seafood
  • Side Dishes
Home » Recipes » Dinner » Beef » Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

By: Rebecca  |  Published: May 24, 2019  |  Updated: May 30, 2019  |   View Our Affiliate Disclosure Policy

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos puts a zesty twist on regular pasta salad! Made with Mexican spices, ground beef, and fresh veggies, it’s tossed in creamy chipotle dressing and topped with cheesy tortilla chips!

Pasta salad with taco fixings in a large white bowl for serving.

Taco Pasta Salad

It’s barbecue season, and this Taco Pasta Salad Recipe is a must for sharing with friends and family.

Made with Mexican spices and everyone’s favorite cheddar tortilla chips, this recipe gives classic pasta salad a zesty twist!

Pasta salad is definitely a cookout staple, and this tasty version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Dressing being added to a bowl of taco flavored pasta salad.

What’s In Taco Pasta Salad?

It blends tender spiral pasta with ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, peppers, onions, black beans, lime juice, and cilantro, which add loads of south-of-the-border flavor.

Everything is tossed in creamy chipotle dressing (or French Dressing or Thousand Island Dressing if you prefer).

The finishing touch is cheesy Doritos tortilla chips for one final tasty kick.

You could also make this recipe with ground turkey instead of traditional ground beef.

Overhead photo of a bowl of taco pasta salad.

How To Make Taco Pasta Salad:

I love pasta salads because they are so simple to make and it usually makes a TON which is great for potlucks and BBQs!

  • Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and add to a large bowl.
  • Then, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess oil and add the ground beef to the pasta.
  • Stir in the taco seasonings and mix with the beef and pasta until evenly coated.
  • Next, add in the cheese, pepper, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, black beans, lime juice, and jalapeno pepper (if using) and toss to combine.
  • Then, add in the dressing and toss to coat the salad evenly. I recommend making the pasta salad at least 2 hours before you want to serve it and chilling it the fridge so the flavor can build.
  • Finally, add the shredded lettuce and crushed Doritos as close to serving as possible so they don’t get soggy.

Overhead shot of a pasta salad in a white bowl with taco flavors.

Yep, this Taco Pasta Salad is a favorite for kids and adults.

Youngsters love the addicting taste of these chips, and we grown-ups do too, plus they offer a bit of nostalgia.

I usually serve a bowl of Doritos or Fritosalongside Taco Pasta Salad so guests can grab an extra handful.

I’ve definitely been known to scoop up the dressed noodles with a chip — no fork needed!

Taco pasta salad in a white bowl on a blue checkered napkin.

In fact, this stuff is so hearty, it can be a meal in itself, much like my Taco Salad.

All that’s missing is an ice-cold margarita to wash it all down, amirite?

Of course, this dish tastes amazing alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken, too.

One note: if you’re making this recipe in advance or plan on having leftovers, keep the chips and lettuce separate until just before serving. That way, the chips won’t get soggy (plus people sometimes like adding their own).

Gold serving spoon scooping up taco pasta salad out of a large white bowl.

When it comes to summer gatherings, you really can’t go wrong with pasta salad.

However, if you want to switch up your side dish game, this Taco Pasta Salad Recipe definitely fits the bill!

Summer is nearly here. Bring this delicious dish to your next barbecue and watch it disappear!

More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes:

  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
  • Antipasti Pasta Salad
  • Classic Macaroni Salad
  • BLT Pasta Salad
  • Tuna Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

Pin It For Later

Click the button above to save this delicious recipe to your board!

Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos puts a zesty twist on regular pasta salad! Made with Mexican spices, ground beef, and fresh veggies, it’s tossed in creamy chipotle dressing and topped with cheesy tortilla chips!

Let’s Connect!

I created a fun little group on facebook and I’d love for you to join in! It’s a place where you can ask questions and see what’s new with Sugar & Soul! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #sugarandsoulco so I can see all the wonderful recipes YOU make from this site! You can also Subscribe to my Newsletter so you never miss a delicious recipe again!

Overhead photo of a bowl of taco pasta salad.

Taco Pasta Salad

Rebecca Hubbell
Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos puts a zesty twist on regular pasta salad! Made with Mexican spices, ground beef, and fresh veggies, it’s tossed in creamy chipotle dressing and topped with cheesy tortilla chips!
0 from 0 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 16 people
Calories 680

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spiral pasta like cavatappi or rotini
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 8 ounces Habanero Cheddar cheese or other cheddar cheese cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper minced and optional
  • 16 ounces Southwest Chipotle Dressing see notes
  • 4 cups Spicy or Nacho Doritos lightly crushed
  • 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and add to a large bowl.
  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, drain excess oil. Add the ground beef to the pasta. I recommend prepping your cheese and veggies while your pasta and beef cook.
  • Stir in the taco seasonings and mix with the beef and pasta until evenly coated.
  • Add in the cheese, pepper, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, black beans, lime juice, and jalapeno pepper (if using) and toss to combine.
  • Add in the dressing and toss to coat the salad evenly. I recommend making the pasta salad at least 2 hours before you want to serve it and chilling it the fridge so the flavor can build.
  • Add the shredded lettuce and crushed Doritos as close to serving as possible so they don't get soggy.

Notes

  • I used Hidden Valley brand Southwest Chipotle dressing if you can't find it or another brand, you can also use Creamy French or Thousand Island as well.
  • Pasta Salad will keep for about 5 days in the fridge, just notes that lettuce and Doritos will get soggy after a couple of hours. You can serve them on the side for freshness if desired. 
  • Ground turkey could also be used instead of beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 18gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 751mgPotassium: 423mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 875IUVitamin C: 16.4mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 2.1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me now!Mention @sugarandsoulco or tag #sugarandsoulco!
Pin
Share
Email
Print
Bookmark
536Shares

Beef Pasta Recipes Sides Summer

About Rebecca Hubbell

I love sharing mouthwatering and fun recipes with all of you! My recipes are inspired by classic comfort food, the places I travel, and pop culture! I have a serious sweet tooth and love a good cocktail and pancakes and bacon are definitely my weakness! So stick around a discover something delicious!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Rebecca!

I love sharing sweet and savory recipes that are tested and perfected in my kitchen so they'll be an instant favorite in yours!

Read More

What's Trending!

  • These Brownie Cookies are made from an adapted brownie box mix and are loaded with chocolate chips! They have a crisp outer edge and chewy fudge center just like a classic brownie! Brownie Cookies
  • American Chop Suey is a delicious and easy dinner recipe made with ground beef, tomato, onion, green pepper, macaroni, and spices. Pure comfort food made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner! American Chop Suey
  • This Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink is a cheaper and just as delicious recipe to make your favorite fruity Starbucks beverage right at home with acai berry tea, coconut milk, white grape juice, simple syrup, and freeze-dried strawberries! Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink
  • Lactation Brownies are an easy dessert that helps increase milk production with added ingredients like coconut milk, Brewer's yeast, and oatmeal! Lactation Brownies
  • These 9 Shows You Should be Watching on Netflix are some of the best, but you've probably never heard of them or never seen them, so get binging! 9 Shows You Should be Watching on Netflix
  • This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth! Slow Cooker Italian Beef

get the latest recipes

Subscribe for all the recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Delicious Dinners!

Close up photo of lemon garlic shrimp in a skillet with zucchini noodles and lemon wedges.

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Zucchini Noodles

Close up photo of grape jelly meatballs in a brown bowl.

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

A slice of breakfast casserole being lifted out of a pan.

Eggs Benedict Casserole With Hollandaise Sauce

Close up photo of cocktail sauce in a small white bowl on top of a platter of shrimp and ice.

Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe

A piece of baguette scooping pizza dip our of a white baking dish.

Best Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Close up photos slightly overhead of a spiral ham.

Maple Peach Glazed Spiral Ham

Close up photo of chicken wings coated in a sticky sauce and topped with scallions.
Two pieces of Baklava stacked on top of each other.
This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!
This Fish Taco Sauce is the ultimate topping for fish tacos. It's a creamy a delicious blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, and cumin.
These Brownie Cookies are made from an adapted brownie box mix and are loaded with chocolate chips! They have a crisp outer edge and chewy fudge center just like a classic brownie!
American Chop Suey is a delicious and easy dinner recipe made with ground beef, tomato, onion, green pepper, macaroni, and spices. Pure comfort food made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner!
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo

Footer

Sugar and Soul

Sugar & Soul is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

About

  • Home
  • About
  • PR Info
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse Recipes

  • Air Fryer
  • Appetizer
  • Beverages
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Instant Pot
  • Pasta
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soup
  • Vegetarian
Copyright ©2021, Sugar and Soul | Privacy Policy | Design by Pixel Me Designs