Taco Pasta Salad

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a bold and easy side dish with big flavor? This Taco Pasta Salad is just the thing your next potluck, BBQ, or weekday dinner has been missing. It packs everything you love about tacos into one creamy, zesty, and veggie-packed bowl of goodness. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is a hit with both kids and adults.

What makes this recipe stand out is how effortlessly it blends comfort and freshness. The seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and cheesy pasta are coated in a tangy dressing that turns every bite into a fiesta. It’s hearty enough to work as a main meal, yet light enough to serve alongside grilled favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Pasta Salad

This isn’t just another pasta salad. It’s a crave-worthy blend of Tex-Mex comfort food and picnic-ready convenience. You can make it ahead of time, customize it with your favorite toppings, and rely on it to satisfy a crowd. Plus, the leftovers might be even better the next day.

Can I Use Any Kind of Pasta?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or penne are ideal for holding onto all the creamy taco dressing and bits of beef and vegetables. While you can use what you have on hand, we recommend sticking with a pasta that has ridges or curves to capture all the flavor.

Ingredients for the Taco Pasta Salad

This salad is full of hearty and colorful ingredients that balance flavor and texture beautifully. You’ll love how each one adds a little something extra.

• Rotini pasta – The spiral shape helps catch the dressing and bits of taco filling in every bite.
• Ground beef – Cooked and seasoned with taco spices, it brings that essential savory element.
• Taco seasoning – Use store-bought or homemade to infuse the beef with bold flavor.
• Black beans – A protein-rich, creamy addition that adds depth and texture.
• Cherry tomatoes – Halved for freshness and juicy bursts of flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melty and sharp, it ties all the taco flavors together.
• Corn – Adds sweetness and crunch. Fresh, canned, or frozen all work well.
• Red onion – Thinly sliced for a bit of zing and color.
• Bell peppers – Choose red, yellow, or orange for a vibrant crunch.
• Sour cream – The base of the creamy dressing, balancing out the spices.
• Mayonnaise – Adds richness to the dressing for that classic pasta salad feel.
• Lime juice – Brightens everything up with citrusy zing.
• Fresh cilantro – Totally optional, but adds a fresh herbal note if you like it.

How To Make the Taco Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust with more lime juice or a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooked pasta, cooled beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, corn, onion, and bell peppers to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving, if desired.

How to Serve and Store Taco Pasta Salad

This recipe makes enough to feed 6 to 8 people comfortably. Serve it in a large bowl at your next picnic or cookout, or portion it out in meal prep containers for weekday lunches.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

What to Serve With Taco Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta and adds a boost of protein.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Bright, refreshing, and sweet—a contrast that cools and complements the Tex-Mex heat.

Jalapeño Cornbread

A slightly spicy bread that keeps the fiesta going with every bite.

Mango Avocado Salsa

Toss this sweet and tangy salsa on the side for a tropical twist.

Baked Tortilla Chips with Guac

Perfect for dipping and crunching alongside your salad plate.

Cilantro Lime Rice

A light and citrusy grain dish that mirrors the flavors in the salad.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Turn this into a hearty backyard meal with tender, saucy pulled pork on the side.

Grilled Zucchini or Peppers

Simple, smoky veggies that round out the meal without overpowering the salad.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If this Taco Pasta Salad has you hooked on big flavor bowls, here are more ideas to explore:

• Try the creamy and citrus-packed Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken.
• Keep it Tex-Mex with Dirty Rice with Ground Beef that eats like a meal.
• Mix up your weeknights with Easy Chicken with Zucchini, Corn & Garlic Sauce.
• Craving something cozy? Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni brings the comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or salad board so you can find it fast when taco cravings strike.

Let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you spice it up with jalapeños or lighten it with Greek yogurt? I love seeing your variations and answering any questions.

Explore more quick and colorful meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and make your menu even more exciting!

Conclusion

Taco Pasta Salad takes the best of two comfort food worlds and tosses them into one bowl. It’s crowd-friendly, incredibly easy to make, and loaded with flavor and texture. Whether you’re planning a party or a quick dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Enjoy it cold, customize it endlessly, and let it be your new favorite summer staple.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?