Name: Taco Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lime juice

Bold, zesty, and full of fresh crunch—this Taco Pasta Salad is the ultimate mash-up of Tex-Mex flavor and summer picnic vibes. Imagine taco night met pasta night, had a delicious love child, and brought it to your BBQ. That’s what this dish delivers: taco-seasoned beef mingled with rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, fresh herbs, and a creamy, slightly spicy dressing that ties it all together.

Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or lazy Sunday meal preps, this salad doesn’t just taste amazing fresh—it gets even better as it chills. Make it ahead and let the flavors do their magic while you relax, or serve it right away for a warm and hearty twist. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Taco Pasta Salad effortless and stress-free, having the right tools is essential:

Large pot for boiling pasta: A sturdy pot ensures your rotini cooks evenly without sticking. Salt your water generously to flavor the pasta.
Skillet for browning meat: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to cook your ground beef evenly and develop flavor from the browning process.
Mixing bowls (medium and large): One bowl for combining the dressing, another for tossing all the salad ingredients together.

Sharp knife and cutting board: A must for chopping cherry tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and fresh herbs with precision.
Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly to avoid overcooking and rinses it to stop the cooking process.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing the salad ingredients gently without mashing them.

Having these basics in place makes the whole prep smooth and enjoyable, so you can focus on building those bold flavors without the hassle.

Ingredients for the Taco Pasta Salad

Every bite of Taco Pasta Salad delivers flavor, and that all starts with the ingredients. Here’s what makes this salad sing:

Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape grabs onto dressing and bits of meat and veggies beautifully.

Ground beef: Cooked with taco seasoning, it brings heartiness and bold, savory depth.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, they add sweetness and vibrant color.
Red bell pepper: Brings crispness and a hint of natural sweetness.

Red onion: Adds a touch of sharp bite to balance the creamy textures.
Fresh cilantro: Offers brightness and a pop of herbal freshness.
Lime wedges: A squeeze at the end adds zing and ties all the flavors together.

Taco seasoning: The soul of this salad’s flavor profile. Store-bought or homemade, your call.
Creamy dressing: A blend of sour cream and mayo with a touch of lime and seasoning, this coats everything in creamy-spicy goodness.

How To Make the Taco Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer until thickened.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

Chop the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Set them aside for assembly.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of taco seasoning. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, seasoned beef, chopped veggies, and the creamy dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill or Serve

You can serve the salad immediately slightly warm, or cover and chill it for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

Serving and Storing Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed warm right after mixing or chilled for a refreshing take at gatherings. If you’re bringing it to a party or BBQ, make it a few hours in advance and let it chill in the fridge—the flavors meld beautifully over time.

When serving, add a few extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a pop of freshness and color. It’s a great main dish on its own, but it also pairs well with tortilla chips or a side of guacamole.

To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good toss before serving leftovers, and add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of extra dressing if it needs a refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Taco Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and serve within 2–3 days.

What other proteins can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even black beans make great swaps if you’re looking for lighter or vegetarian options.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While rotini holds the sauce and toppings well, bowtie, penne, or shells also work great.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat easily by using mild or spicy taco seasoning and adding jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it hotter.

What’s the best way to keep it creamy after chilling?

Add a tablespoon of mayo or sour cream and a splash of lime juice before serving to revive the dressing if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze Taco Pasta Salad?

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh veggies. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you’re loving the flavor and ease of this Taco Pasta Salad, here are a few more pasta-inspired dishes from Life With Olivia that are sure to win your heart:

Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta for a bold, tangy twist.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for creamy comfort food with a savory kick.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for a rich, family-favorite dinner.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini if you love that sweet-meets-savory combo.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta when you’re craving bold island flavors.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever taco cravings hit!

And tell me in the comments—did you stick with ground beef or try something new? Maybe threw in jalapeños for extra heat? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

Let’s swap tips and taco tales in the comments. Happy cooking!

Taco Pasta Salad

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Taco Pasta Salad is a zesty fusion of taco night and pasta night, packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and bold Tex-Mex flavor. Perfect warm or chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser for BBQs, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners.