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Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos Crunch

Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos Crunch: A Fun Weeknight Hit

Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos Crunch combines the flavors of tacos and pasta, making it a delightful family favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta A comforting, chewy base that holds onto flavors well.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Hearty protein and savory flavor.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Adds bold flavor and spice.
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper Adjust according to preferred spice level.
  • 1 Roma Tomato Offers moisture and sweetness.
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels Contributes sweetness and texture.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Adds color and crunch.
  • 1 Yellow Onion Enhances flavor depth.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Delivers rich, creamy flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Binds ingredients with its tangy flavor.
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Nacho Doritos Adds crunchy finish.
Optional Garnish
  • 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce Offers a refreshing garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook rotini pasta until al dente (10-12 mins). Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the jalapeño, Roma tomato, red bell pepper, and yellow onion into small pieces. Combine them with corn kernels in a large bowl.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add cooled beef to vegetables and pasta. Sprinkle cheese and drizzle Catalina dressing. Toss to combine.
  5. Add the Crunch: Crush Nacho Doritos and fold into the salad just before serving.
  6. Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or chill for an hour. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep Doritos crunchy by adding them just before serving. You can prep ingredients ahead and store separately for convenience.

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