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Flavorful Loaded Walking Taco Pasta Salad Recipe with Crunchy Doritos

walking taco pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad combining rotini, seasoned ground beef, creamy dressing, fresh veggies, and crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos for a fun, flavorful twist on taco night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and drained
  • 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed just before serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta—set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and return beef to pan.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 packet taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. To the dressing, add cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 3 sliced green onions. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Just before serving, crush 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos roughly and fold into the salad to keep them crunchy.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not crush Doritos too finely to maintain crunch. Add Doritos just before serving to avoid sogginess. For dairy-free options, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with avocado or creamy cashew dressing and use plant-based cheese or omit cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check taco seasoning labels. Leftovers taste better the next day but add fresh Doritos before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco, pasta salad, Doritos, taco seasoning, ground beef, quick recipe, potluck, game day, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/flavorful-loaded-walking-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-with-crunchy-doritos/