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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Taco Pasta Salad

    Published: Jul 10, 2023 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Taco Pasta Salad

    This taco pasta salad is coated in a bold smoky sauce with tender noodles, seasoned beef, and all of the classic taco flavors you love.

    This great dish is as flavorful as it is hearty, and the secret ingredient will really grab people's attention!

    Taco Pasta Salad Recipe.

    What is it?

    This is not just any ol' taco pasta salad, this recipe features a distinctively creamy and smoky sauce that really adds great flavor! This quick and easy dish should be served cold and is perfect for bringing to your next party or summer potluck. Otherwise, it can be enjoyed at home as a great side dish or main course for taco night!

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    • Mayonnaise
    • Sour cream
    • El Yucateco Black Label Reserve hot sauce, - This is my secret ingredient because it has a deep smoky flavor with just the right amount of kick. Most major grocers carry it, or it can be found online. If you can't find it or don't care for it, you can omit it from the recipe altogether.
    • Ground beef - For fewer calories, you can substitute ground turkey.
    • Taco seasoning - Storebought or homemade taco seasoning is fine.
    • Rotini pasta noodles - You can substitute any other short pasta noodle.
    • Mild cheddar cheese - You can substitute any shredded taco cheese.
    • White onion - White onions have the best raw crunch, but you can use yellow onion instead. Red onions will also work, but their flavor is very strong.
    • Roma tomatoes - Roma tomatoes are meatier with less liquid, but sliced cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be substituted.
    • Sliced black olives 

    This recipe can be customized with your favorite taco toppings. Black beans, fresh cilantro, green onions, ripe avocados, or bell peppers would all be a great addition.

    Smoky & Creamy Taco Pasta Salad on table.

    How to make it

    Begin making this easy taco pasta salad by mixing together the mayo, sour cream, and hot sauce in a dish. Then set aside. You can add more or less hot sauce to taste, depending on your preference.

    Next, brown the hamburger in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the beef is nicely browned, let it cool to room temperature at least because the pasta salad tastes best chilled.

    Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to cool them off. After the taco meat and noodles are cool, all of the ingredients for the salad can be tossed together in a large bowl.

    Optional: If you want more crunch, add tortilla chips or broken Doritos to the top of the salad prior to serving, similar to my taco salad with catalina dressing.

    Taco toppings used in pasta salad.

    Storing Leftovers

    This taco pasta salad recipe is great to make in advance for a picnic or potluck because the flavor is even better the next day and it tastes best as a cold pasta salad. Leftover taco pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, for best flavor.

    Creamy Taco Pasta Salad close up with hot sauce behind

    Taco Pasta Salad

    A bold smoky sauce coats the tender noodles, seasoned beef, and chunky vegetables in this Creamy Taco Pasta Salad.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 704kcal
    Author: Fox Valley Foodie

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup mayo
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoon El Yucateco® Black Label Reserve hot sauce
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
    • 8 ounces rotini noodles
    • 2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
    • 1 medium white onion (chopped)
    • 1 cup chopped roma tomatoes
    • 1 cup sliced black olives (about 4 oz)

    Instructions

    • Combine mayo, sour cream, and hot sauce in a small bowl and set aside.*
    • Brown the hamburger and add taco seasoning packet according to packet instructions, then set aside to cool slightly.
    • Cook the noodles according to box instructions, then rinse with cold water till cool.
    • Add all ingredients to a large bowl, including the sauce, and mix to combine.
    • Can be served immediately, but best if set in the fridge overnight to allow flavors to meld.

    Notes

    *I do recommend specifically using this brand of hot sauce for this recipe due to the unique smoky flavor it adds. However, it can be omitted entirely, or you can substitute your favorite hot sauce instead. If substituting, it is important to note that hot sauces vary in spiciness, so start with less and more as needed.

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 704kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1158mg | Potassium: 440mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1248IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @FoxValleyFoodie or tag #foxvalleyfoodie!

    This recipe was originally published on FoxValleyFoodie.com May 9, 2017.

    More Taco Inspired Recipes

    • Frito Taco Salad recipe.
      Frito Taco Salad
    • Ground venison tacos recipe.
      Ground Venison Tacos
    • Taco Dip with Meat
      Taco Dip with Meat
    • Classic Taco Dip in pan
      Classic Taco Dip

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carmen Watson

      October 28, 2020 at 11:43 am

      Absolutely love love loved this recipe!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!!

      Reply
    2. Adriana Lopez Martn

      May 09, 2017 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      For sure a recipe rocking with many nice flavors and textures. Thanks for your participation on this shop. ~ client

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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