Name: Pasta Taco Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz rotini pasta, cooked, drained & cooled; 1 lb ground beef; ¼ cup taco seasoning; ¾ cup water; ½ cup grated cheese; 1 tomato, diced; ½ head iceberg lettuce (3–4 cups), chopped; 1 avocado, diced; ½ cup chopped cilantro; Green parts of 2 green onions, sliced; 1 cup French dressing; 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

A zesty and colorful pasta salad featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy Doritos, fresh veggies, and a creamy French dressing—perfect as a main dish or side at potlucks and BBQs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how it combines the familiar bold flavors of tacos with the ease of a pasta salad. With its refreshing crunch and zesty dressing, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for make-ahead prep. I find it especially handy when I need a dish that pleases both kids and adults.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 oz rotini pasta, cooked, drained & cooled
1 lb ground beef
¼ cup taco seasoning
¾ cup water
½ cup grated cheese
1 tomato, diced
½ head iceberg lettuce (3–4 cups), chopped
1 avocado, diced
½ cup chopped cilantro
Green parts of 2 green onions, sliced
1 cup French dressing
2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

directions

Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the liquid is absorbed, then let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked taco meat, grated cheese, diced tomato, chopped lettuce, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Pour the French dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is coated evenly.
Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos and give the salad a final toss for that perfect crunch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes switch the ground beef for rotisserie chicken when I want a different protein. I’ve also tossed in black beans, olives, or chopped bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Changing the pasta shape is fun too—bowties or shells work just as well. And when I’m out of French dressing, Catalina or Ranch dressing make great substitutes.

storage/reheating

When I make this ahead, I keep the lettuce and Doritos separate and stir them in right before serving. The assembled salad without those two ingredients can stay in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing it—the texture gets too soft. If there are leftovers, I store them in an airtight container and enjoy them cold.

FAQs

How long will pasta salad last in the fridge?

I’d say about 4 to 5 days if it’s stored in an airtight container. I keep the lettuce and chips out until I’m ready to eat so they stay crisp.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I’ve swapped in ground turkey before and it works great. It’s a bit lighter and just as tasty.

Is this dish served warm or cold?

I usually serve it cold, but I’ve tried it slightly warm too and it’s still delicious.

What French dressing works best?

Any kind of French dressing works fine—I use whatever I have on hand. The creamy kind adds a nice richness.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely. I skip the meat and use black beans or chickpeas instead. It still turns out flavorful and filling.

Conclusion

This Pasta Taco Salad is one of my go-to recipes for gatherings and easy meals. It’s quick, flavorful, and always gets compliments. I love how it’s both fun and satisfying, and I bet it’ll become a favorite at your table too.