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    Home » Appetizers » Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

    Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

    Published: Apr 28, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Tacos, ranch seasoning and pasta join forces to create this delicious taco pasta salad recipe! Enjoy pasta salad and taco salad in a single bite! Delicious party food or side dish.

    close up of a bowl full of taco pasta salad covered with doritos

    Original post: May 2016 | Updated: April 2021

    Why This Recipe Works

    Are you looking for a unique but oh-so-tasty dish to bring to your next gathering (large or small!)? This taco pasta salad recipe is your match! There are so many varieties of pasta salad that make people yawn, but this is not one of those recipes.

    I brought this easy taco pasta salad to a party recently and got rave reviews from a family member who “does not like pasta salad.” YESsss. I always love putting the spin on a dish that changes a person’s mind. This is one of those family favorite recipes that you will make over and over!

    Recipe Ingredients

    Dry ranch dressing mix – This is the secret ingredient that adds a ton of flavor! If desired, however, add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning in place of ranch dressing mix for a more intense taco flavor. Homemade taco seasoning is super easy to make!

    Mayonnaise – Cut the mayo in half for a healthier recipe.

    Sour cream – Cut sour cream in half (or replace with reduced fat variety) for a healthier recipe. Another option is to replace the sour cream entirely with yogurt.

    mayo, sour cream and parmesan cheese in a bowl

    Rotini pasta – Use any variety of spiral pasta for this salad. Elbow macaroni noodles or rotini work great, too. Use GF pasta for a gluten free salad (omit the Doritos, as well, for a gluten-free recipe).

    Green onions – Red, yellow or white onions would be a delicious replacement for green onions.

    taco pasta salad ingredients in a mixing bowl ready to be mixed

    Corn – Use fresh corn on the cob that has been grilled and cut from the cob for an added punch of flavor.

    Doritos – Replace with corn chips or any variety of tortilla chips to cater to specific diets and taste preferences. Chips are mandatory for this recipe, in my opinion, because it adds a little crunch.

    How To Make This Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

    Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine seasoning mix, mayo, sour cream and lime juice. Mix well and set aside.

    creamy sauce on top of taco pasta salad ingredients in a mixing bowl

    Step 2

    In a large bowl, combine pasta cooked to al dente (bring to room temperature first), black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions and cilantro.

    Add seasoned mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    creamy pasta salad mixed in a bowl with a serving spoon

    When ready to serve, top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Doritos!

    Recipe Notes

    • Add protein to this dish by adding 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or cooked ground beef or ground turkey.
    • For extra spice, stir in 1 diced jalapeno. Remove seeds first!
    • Wait until just before serving to top with the cheese and Doritos.
    • Top with a few handfuls of chopped iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce or your favorite taco toppings such as chopped bell pepper or other fresh veggies.
    • This tasty side dish makes a very large batch, but can easily be store in the fridge for up to 7 days. If you have leftovers, serve as a main dish for your next taco night and snack on it throughout the week.
    • This is the perfect dish to bring to your next summer potluck.

    Other Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes

    • This is the best pasta salad recipe you will ever find. It is packed full of delicious bites (olives, salami, tomatoes and artichokes). Perfect for parties!
    • This Caprese salad is a huge hit at parties! Serve this delicious dish as a side, salad or appetizer. The combination of cherry tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese and basil is absolute perfection! Everyone loves this salad.
    • Spruce up your next pasta salad by making this tangy Asian Pasta Salad! Packed with an irresistible sweet and salty flavor and tons of colorful, crunchy vegetables.
    • If you are a pickle lover, this Dill Pickle version is for YOU! It is creamy, flavorful and crunchy all in a single bite. This is a great, quick recipe to throw together for summer gatherings and potlucks.
    • This zesty Italian Salad is a delicious cold salad that does not lack in flavor! Packed with pasta, crisp veggies, fresh mozzarella, black olives and salami.
    • Easy Classic Macaroni Salad is creamy, crunchy, filling and totally delicious! You have hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery and dill pickles chopped up and mixed in.
    • Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Fill your fork with an incredibly tasty salad that combines pasta with fresh, crisp vegetables and a light vinaigrette straight from the Mediterranean!
    top view of small bowl with pasta salad inside

    FAQ About Pasta Salad

    Can pasta salad be frozen?

    When pasta salad contains mayo and sour cream, they are not ideal for freezing. Cream-based ingredients will not separate entirely after being removed from the freezer and may have an undesirable texture. Pasta salad made without these ingredients freeze really well when stored in an airtight container for up to 4 months.ingredients freeze really well when stored in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

    How much pasta salad per person?

    When served as a party food or side dish, assume that each person will eat between 1/2 and 3/4 cup total. Twelve people can easily eat one batch of a typical pasta salad recipe.

    What cheese for pasta salad?

    Cheddar cheese tastes great in taco pasta salad, cojack cheese is best in pasta salad with Italian dressing and mozzarella cheese is a wonderful addition to caprese pasta salad.

    How to make creamy pasta salad?

    Pasta salad is made creamy by adding ingredients such as mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese and/or yogurt. Do not exceed 2 cups total.

    How long will pasta salad last in the fridge?

    Pasta salad will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

    Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
    If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

    Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

    Tacos, ranch seasoning and pasta join forces to create this delicious taco pasta salad recipe! Delicious party food or side dish.
    5 from 3 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 482kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Ingredients

    • 1 oz dry ranch dressing mix
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 2 tbsp Lime juice
    • 16 oz rotini pasta cooked to al dente and rinsed with cold water
    • 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
    • 14.5 oz corn drained
    • 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes
    • 1 bunch green onions sliced
    • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
    • 1 cup Doritos crumbled

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, combine seasoning mix, mayo, sour cream and lime juice. Mix well and set aside.
    • In a large bowl, combine pasta, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Add seasoned mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    • When ready to serve, top with cheese and crushed Doritos!

    Notes

    • Add protein to this dish by adding 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or cooked ground beef.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning in place of the ranch dressing mix for a more intense taco flavor.
    • For extra spice, stir in 1 diced jalapeno. Remove seeds first!
    • To slim the recipe down a bit, cut the amounts of both the mayo and sour cream in half.
    • Be sure not to top with cheese and Doritos until just before serving!
    • Use GF pasta for a gluten free salad!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 417mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 402IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
    « Low Carb Taco Seasoning Recipe
    Healthy Breakfast Pizza Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan Smith

      June 14, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      I would add Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix to a pasta salad for my next BBQ this Summer.

      Reply
      • Susan Smith

        June 14, 2016 at 10:30 pm

        email address is s2s2 at cox dot net

        Reply
    2. Carolsue

      June 13, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      Tweeted
      https://twitter.com/MsCarolsueA/status/742488840435273728
      Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

      Reply
    3. Carolsue

      June 13, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      I would make the Greek Yogurt Chicken Sliders
      Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

      Reply
    4. elizabeth pergande

      June 12, 2016 at 7:37 pm

      https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/742077648646504448 truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com

      Reply
    5. elizabeth p

      June 12, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      I love to go for picnics and this would be wonderful! truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com

      Reply
    6. Kerry

      June 07, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/740279446305918976
      nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

      Reply
    7. Kerry

      June 07, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      I love to make veggie pizza with it!
      nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

      Reply
    8. Faith J.

      June 06, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Tweeted https://mobile.twitter.com/faithjacklynswe/status/739712957014286336

      Reply
    9. Faith J.

      June 06, 2016 at 6:57 am

      I’d love to make a large chef salad and homemade hidden valley ranch for my next get together!

      Reply
    10. Shanon

      June 05, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      This looks delicious. [email protected]

      Reply
    11. Lisa Brown

      June 05, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/739436351674679297
      jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

      Reply
    12. Lisa Brown

      June 05, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      I would add the dressing to a chicken sauce for dipping, and use the seasoning mix in a veggie dip. I would serve mac and cheese flavored with ranch dressing at my next gathering. jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

      Reply
    13. Jane Rollins

      June 05, 2016 at 1:04 am

      What party dish would you add Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix to?
      I love roasting veggies in the oven with a bit of olive oil and Ranch Seasoning. The ranch really is yummy with the veggies and roasts nicely. I don’t feel any guilt over this snack. My family and I are loyal Hidden Valley Ranch fans.

      Reply
    14. Elaine Jones

      June 03, 2016 at 9:40 pm

      This sounds like a great summer pasta salad! Can’t wait to try it, thanks for the idea!!

      Reply
    15. maria cantu

      June 02, 2016 at 2:28 am

      This taco ranch pasta salad looks good.
      MCantu1019 at aol dot com

      Reply
    16. Angel Jacklyn

      June 01, 2016 at 3:34 am

      Tweet Entry https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/737847531305078784

      Reply
    17. Angel Jacklyn

      June 01, 2016 at 3:32 am

      I would make a ranch and feta cheese mix dip for french fries!

      Reply
    18. Tracy

      May 31, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      We are vegetarian, thinking of making this sans chicken and maybe with some tvp taco filling to make it even more hardy. Looks good.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        June 02, 2016 at 2:29 am

        Ooo, that sounds amazing! Please let me know how it turns out, Tracy!
        Megan

        Reply
    19. Jmp

      May 30, 2016 at 2:04 pm

      I noticed that there isn’t any taco seasoning in this

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        May 30, 2016 at 3:00 pm

        Hi Jmp! Adding taco seasoning would be great! Yum!!
        Megan

        Reply
    20. Judith VanAlphen

      May 28, 2016 at 7:03 pm

      https://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/736633823329288192

      Reply
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    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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