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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 Print 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 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 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. Thomas Murphy

      June 26, 2016 at 5:15 am

      I would add it to Pasta Salad.

      rounder9834 @yahoo.com

      Reply
    2. Debbie B

      June 26, 2016 at 3:27 am

      i posted a tweet – here is a link

      https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/746907384732221440

      debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

      Reply
    3. Debbie B

      June 26, 2016 at 3:25 am

      i have got to make your taco ranch pasta – it is making me so hungry looking at it!

      debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

      Reply
    4. Bert Ruiz

      June 26, 2016 at 1:46 am

      SweepstakesEntry tweet https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/746881811523870720

      Bert Ruiz
      iamdadtastic@gmail.com

      Reply
    5. Bert Ruiz

      June 26, 2016 at 1:43 am

      I would add it to Ham & Macaroni Pasta Salad
      Bert Ruiz
      iamdadtastic@gmail.com

      Reply
    6. Rachel

      June 25, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      I would add it to my Hawaiian haystack sauce!!! Thank you for the recipe, I am trying this taco ranch pasta salad tomorrow for a family reunion!!! rachel.l.swing@gmail.com

      Reply
    7. erica best

      June 25, 2016 at 6:21 pm

      https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/746761322948362244

      Reply
    8. erica best

      June 25, 2016 at 6:21 pm

      i love ranch pasta salad

      Reply
    9. Shawn Gallagher

      June 25, 2016 at 2:52 am

      I probably serve the bacon ranch pasta salad recipe shawn92379@gmail.com

      Reply
    10. Shawn Gallagher

      June 25, 2016 at 2:52 am

      https://mobile.twitter.com/Esham4life/status/746534985289572353 shawn92379@gmail.com

      Reply
    11. Cheryl B

      June 24, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/746430083691323392

      Reply
    12. Cheryl B

      June 24, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      I would use Hidden Valley ranch in my burgers for the grill this Summer.

      Reply
    13. Angela Lilly

      June 24, 2016 at 6:59 pm

      I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/746414776142598144
      Angie
      14earth at gmail dot com

      Reply
    14. Angela Lilly

      June 24, 2016 at 6:59 pm

      I think that the ORIGINAL RANCH® MASHED POTATOES recipe would make a great party dish. I have never used this stuff but those sound like something most people would enjoy! https://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/original-ranch-mashed-potatoes/

      Angie
      14earth at gmail dot com

      Reply
    15. linda

      June 24, 2016 at 5:24 am

      https://twitter.com/lindilala/status/746212294971916289

      Reply
    16. linda

      June 24, 2016 at 5:24 am

      i would make a cold pasta salad

      Reply
    17. Cynthia C

      June 23, 2016 at 7:31 pm

      Tweet
      https://twitter.com/clc408/status/746062918945488897

      Reply
    18. Cynthia C

      June 23, 2016 at 7:29 pm

      I would like to make the QUICK POTATO SALAD for our next family cook out.

      Reply
    19. Tab Douglas

      June 23, 2016 at 12:48 am

      I think it would be good in a white enchilada recipe! And I am bringing this pasta salad to my next gathering. Bunco with the girls tonight.

      Myskinnyfiber@hotmail.com

      Reply
    20. Amanda Sakovitz

      June 22, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      https://twitter.com/aes529/status/745719373004967936

      aes529 at gmail.com

      Reply
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