Description
This Creamy Ranch Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining classic taco flavors with a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or a refreshing summer meal, this salad features pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing made with ranch, sour cream, and lime juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 12 ounces rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down, then set it aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, seasoned taco meat, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Mix and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Optionally, add crushed tortilla chips or diced avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ideal for potlucks or as a make-ahead lunch.
- Add crushed tortilla chips or avocado just before serving for additional texture.
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Make sure to rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and keep pasta firm.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors to blend and enhances taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop, No-Cook (assembly)
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
