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Pasta Taco Salad

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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.

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour the French dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is coated evenly.
  5. Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos and give the salad a final toss for that perfect crunch.

Notes

  • To switch things up, try using rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
  • Other veggies such as black beans, olives, or chopped bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture.
  • Bowtie or shell pasta can be used as alternatives to rotini.
  • If out of French dressing, try using Catalina or Ranch dressing as substitutes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy cold for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce and Doritos separate until serving to maintain their crispness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/pasta-taco-salad/