Easy Doritos Taco Pasta Salad
This creamy Doritos taco pasta salad combines seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and crunchy chips for a delicious family meal or party side dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta uncooked
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ⅓ cup red onion finely diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 3 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos coarsely crushed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup thick salsa
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water, and allow to cool.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked to 160°F. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for three to four minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Season to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Add the dressing and gently toss until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and half of the crushed Doritos.
- Sprinkle the remaining Doritos over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook the pasta until just al dente to prevent a mushy salad.
- Cool the beef completely before adding it to the vegetables.
- Keep the Doritos separate until serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For extra flavor, garnish with diced avocado, green onions, or fresh cilantro.
- Cool the beef completely before adding it to the vegetables.
- Keep the Doritos separate until serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For extra flavor, garnish with diced avocado, green onions, or fresh cilantro.