Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad

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When taco night and pasta salad collide, you get something truly magical: Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad. It’s a bold, satisfying twist on the classic summer side dish, loaded with seasoned beef, gooey cheddar, crunchy veggies, and a zesty taco dressing that brings everything together. This salad is a showstopper at cookouts, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you want something comforting yet exciting.

What makes this salad a crowd-pleaser is how it layers textures and flavors in every bite. Creamy cheese meets spiced meat and al dente pasta, all cooled down with crisp romaine and juicy tomatoes. Plus, it can be made ahead and served cold, making it an ideal make-ahead meal prep or party dish.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Taco Pasta Salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best here—they hold onto the flavorful beef and creamy dressing beautifully. Rotini is a favorite for its spirals that trap all that cheesy taco goodness. Make sure to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when combined with the other ingredients.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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How To Make the Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Let it cool.

Step 3: Make the Taco Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the lime juice for more tang if you like.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooled taco meat, shredded cheddar, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, olives, and romaine. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.

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Serving and Storing Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it versatile for any gathering. It’s a hearty standalone dish, but also pairs well with tortilla chips or fresh avocado slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian twist. Everything else stays just as flavorful.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Try shredded pepper jack for a spicier version, or a Mexican blend for extra variety.

Is it okay to make this ahead?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the lettuce separate until ready to serve so it stays crisp.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tangy flavor. It blends well with the mayo and lime juice.

What toppings go well with this?

Try adding crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair.

Can I serve this warm?

While it’s typically served cold, you can enjoy it warm by skipping the cooling step after browning the beef and draining the pasta.

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Want More Pasta Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this cheesy taco pasta salad, take a look at these other creative spins on comforting favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a protein-packed main.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole if you love sweet-meets-savory brunch dishes.
• The Ultimate Taco Casserole for a warm and cozy taco-inspired dinner.
• Authentic 7-Layer Mexican Dip for party-perfect layers of flavor.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole to keep the cheesy taco theme going strong.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it for summer parties or Taco Tuesdays.

And once you’ve tried it, tell me how yours turned out! Did you mix in something unexpected? Use spicy beef or go meatless?

I love seeing how others spin these recipes. Drop your questions or versions in the comments so we can inspire each other to get more creative in the kitchen.

Looking for even more flavor-packed dishes? Come hang out with me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes where I post new ideas daily!

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