Description
A delicious and refreshing Taco Pasta Salad that combines savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 16 ounces dry pasta (rotini recommended)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 limes, juiced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 oz packet)
- 12 ounces frozen corn (thawed, or 15 ounce can, drained)
- 15 ounces black beans (thoroughly rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces, grated or cubed)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 jalapeño (diced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add ground beef and onion over medium heat, cooking until the ground beef is browned. Drain the grease and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside to cool.
- Cook pasta according to the instructions on the packaging. Toss cooked pasta with extra virgin olive oil and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a large serving bowl. Whisk together until combined.
- Add the cooled pasta, ground beef, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, and green onions to the serving bowl.
- Toss everything until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Taste before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
Notes
- Chill the salad for optimal flavor.
- Customize by adding other vegetables or toppings if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg