Tacos, ranch seasoning and pasta join forces to create this delicious Taco Ranch Pasta Salad! Delicious party food or side dish.

Original post: May 2016 | Updated: August 2020

Are you looking for a unique but oh-so-tasty dish to bring to your next gathering (large or small!)? Taco Ranch Pasta Salad 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 particular 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.

HOW TO MAKE TACO RANCH PASTA SALAD

STEP 1

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

STEP 2

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 shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Doritos!

RECIPE NOTES FOR TACO RANCH PASTA SALAD

• 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!
• Cut the amounts of both the mayo and sour cream in half for a slimmer recipe.
• Wait until just before serving to top with the cheese and Doritos!
• Use GF pasta for a gluten free salad!

CAN YOU FREEZE THIS RECIPE?

This pasta salad contains mayo and sour cream, which are not ideal for freezing. Cream-based ingredients will not separate entirely after being removed from the freezer and may have an undesirable texture. Eat it up!

OTHER DELICIOUS PASTA SALADS TO ENJOY!

• 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 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!