This Taco Pasta Salad is the ultimate mix of Mexican-inspired flavors and comforting pasta goodness. With seasoned beef, crisp veggies, melty cheese, and a creamy-sweet dressing, it’s a party in every bite—especially thanks to the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos giving it that unexpected crunch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is perfect for Taco Tuesday, potlucks, or any casual gathering. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and guaranteed to feed a crowd with ease!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & easy: Ready in under half an hour—great for last-minute meals.
- Crowd favorite: Feeds up to 16; perfect for big family dinners or parties.
- Flavor-packed: Combines taco-seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and creamy Catalina dressing.
- Crunchy surprise: Crushed Doritos add texture and fun.
- Customizable: Add black olives, jalapeños, or avocado for your own twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb rotini pasta – Holds sauce and adds satisfying chew.
- 1 lb lean ground beef – Tasty taco-style base.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – For classic southwest flavor.
- 15 oz canned black beans – Protein-rich and hearty (drained & rinsed).
- 8 oz canned corn – Adds natural sweetness and color.
- 1 small onion – Diced for a mild bite.
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes – Juicy freshness in every forkful.
- 2 cups shredded Fiesta blend cheese – Melts into the warm pasta mixture beautifully.
- 16 oz Catalina dressing – Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly creamy.
- 3 tbsp sour cream – Balances the sweetness and adds richness.
- 9 oz Nacho Cheese Doritos – Crushed for that iconic party crunch.
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce – Added just before serving for crispness.
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro – Bright finishing touch.
How to Make It
- Cook the pasta: Boil rotini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the beef: While pasta cooks, brown the ground beef over medium heat, crumbling as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Season: Stir taco seasoning and ¼ cup water into the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes until most liquid evaporates.
- Combine base: In a large bowl, mix pasta, seasoned beef, beans, corn, onion, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Mix dressing: Whisk together Catalina dressing and sour cream in a small bowl.
- Toss salad: Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Add final touches: If serving immediately, fold in crushed Doritos and shredded lettuce, then garnish with cilantro.
- Make-ahead option: If prepping in advance, cover and refrigerate base salad. Add Doritos, lettuce, and cilantro just before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Prevent sogginess: Rinse pasta with cold water and add Doritos just before serving.
- Boost flavor: Add jalapeños, black olives, or diced avocado.
- Make adaptable: Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Toss gently: Mix just enough to combine—avoid overworking ingredients.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese and sour cream; use vegan cheese and plant-based mayo.
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with seasoned tofu, tempeh, or extra beans.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta, GF taco seasoning, and Doritos variety.
- Healthier option: Reduce dressing and cheese; add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
- Side dish: Great alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or Mexican mains.
- Potluck essential: Bold flavors and crunchy texture make it a crowd magnet.
- Wrap it up: Stuff into tortillas for taco-style wraps.
- Pairing: Serve with cold margaritas, iced tea, or beer for a fun event vibe.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep base salad (without Doritos & lettuce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare base ahead; toss in lettuce, Doritos, and cilantro right before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended – pasta, veggies, and Doritos lose quality when frozen.
- Reheating: Not necessary – best served chilled or at room temp.
Recipe FAQs
Can I prep this a day in advance?
Yes! Make the base salad up to 24 hours ahead. Add Doritos, lettuce, and cilantro right before serving. This keeps everything crisp and fresh.
What’s the best taco seasoning?
You can use any store-bought taco seasoning or homemade blend. Make sure it’s not too spicy for crowd preferences.
Can I use homemade dressing?
Absolutely! Try a lime-cilantro ranch or avocado crema dressing for a fresh twist.
How can I make it lighter?
Reduce cheese and dressing, use lean turkey, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots to bulk it up.
Do Doritos get soggy?
Yes—they soften if mixed too early. Wait until just before serving to toss them in.
Closing Thoughts
This Taco Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed, textural delight that brings big smiles at every event. It’s quick, customizable, and full of festive fun—from crunchy Doritos to smoky beef and creamy dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes and feeding up to 16, it’s a potluck superstar and weeknight hero all in one.