Best Taco Pasta Salad
This creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed Taco Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with taco-seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and a zesty creamy taco dressing.It’s the perfect potluck dish, summer salad, or make-ahead lunch.
Bold Mexican-inspired flavors with the comfort of pasta — a guaranteed favorite!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups cooked pasta (small shapes like rotini, shells, or bowties)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn
1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained
1 cup lettuce, chopped
½ red onion, diced
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup bell peppers (any color), diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced
Optional Protein
250 g (½ lb) ground beef
OR 1 cup shredded chicken
OR 1 cup crispy chickpeas
Seasoning for Ground Beef
1 tbsp taco seasoning
2 tbsp water
Creamy Taco Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1–2 tsp hot sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 — Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Set aside.
Step 2 — Optional: Cook the Beef
Brown ground beef in a pan.
Add taco seasoning + water.
Cook 2–3 minutes until flavorful.
Let cool completely before adding to salad.
Step 3 — Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl whisk together:
Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Lime juice
Taco seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Optional hot sauce
The dressing should be creamy and tangy.
Step 4 — Build the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
Cooked pasta
Tomatoes
Corn
Black beans
Bell peppers
Onion
Lettuce
Cheddar cheese
Cilantro
Cooked taco beef or protein
Gently mix.
Step 5 — Add Dressing
Pour dressing over the salad.
Toss well until everything is coated.
Add diced avocado right before serving.
Serve With
Tortilla chips on the side
Extra lime wedges
Fresh cilantro
A sprinkle of extra cheese
A dollop of salsa or guacamole
Tips for Best Results
Cool pasta fully before mixing to avoid sogginess.
Add lettuce and avocado only before serving.
Want it healthier? Use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta.
Want it creamy? Add 2 more tablespoons mayo.
More taco flavor? Add extra taco seasoning to the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — prepare everything except lettuce and avocado.
Add those just before serving.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the meat and add crispy chickpeas or more beans.
3. Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Yes — ranch + taco seasoning works well.
4. How long does it last?
Up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 19g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 6g