Description
Ranch Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make Tex-Mex inspired cold pasta salad. Combining seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch and salsa dressing, this dish is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a satisfying meal prep option. The mix of textures and bold flavors comes together quickly with stovetop cooking and no baking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Dressing and Garnish
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Cook and Season the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors develop. Remove from heat and let the meat cool to room temperature.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned meat, halved cherry tomatoes, drained corn, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and sliced black olives if using.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and salsa until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Add crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving to add a crunchy texture.
- Use spicy ranch dressing or a hotter salsa for an extra kick of heat.
- This salad is great for potlucks, BBQs, or as an easy meal prep option for lunch or dinner.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
