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Fresh Taco Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Catalina Dressing

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A quick and easy taco-flavored pasta salad tossed with a zesty Catalina dressing, fresh veggies, and seasoned ground meat. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta (preferably tri-color)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and seasoned with taco spices
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (canned or grilled)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • ¾ cup Catalina dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside in a colander.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula (7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in 1 tablespoon taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup Catalina dressing, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, taco meat, black beans, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and cilantro (if using). Fold gently to keep veggies intact.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly. Start with half the dressing and add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss gently before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing pasta under cold water prevents sticking and cools it quickly for salad. Brown meat slowly for better flavor. Adjust dressing thickness with a splash of water or olive oil if needed. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. For vegetarian version, omit meat and add extra black beans or grilled tofu. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, Catalina dressing, easy pasta salad, taco salad, quick lunch, potluck recipe, ground beef pasta salad, zesty dressing

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/fresh-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-catalina-dressing-tutorial/