Taco Pasta Salad + Instant Pot Taco Pasta Salad
If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a potluck, backyard BBQ or family gathering you will love this Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos. It’s easy to double this recipe or make half a batch if you are just craving some Mexican-flavored goodness.
Post includes Weight Watchers points.
It’s the time of year for lots of gatherings. If you want to bring the dish that everyone will be talking about, then you need to make this Taco Pasta Salad recipe. Summer is the time for salads, and everyone will love this one. We’re talking tacos meet pasta salad for a delicious dish that is full of flavor.
Get ready to serve this Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos at all your backyard BBQs, bring it to potlucks, and pack it on picnics. This is a family favorite recipe that’s sure to become one of yours too!
Whether you make this the traditional way or use your Instant Pot, it’s so easy to make and is loaded with your favorite Mexican flavors. Trust me when I say you might want to double this recipe since everyone will be coming back for seconds or even thirds.
WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Flavorful – Perfectly seasoned ground beef and all of your favorite Mexican veggies give this pasta salad so much flavor.
Easy – You can make this recipe in about 30 minutes and it can be made in advance.
Crunchy – The Doritos chips add awesome crunch and flavor.
Customizable – Make it spicy, add more veggies, use chicken instead of beef. The options are limitless.
Main Dish or Side – This dish does double duty and can be served as a main or as a side.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Pasta – choose your favorite shape.
Ground Beef with Taco Seasoning – gives this dish authentic Mexican flavor.
Shredded Cheese – use the convenient pre-packaged Mexican Blend or grate it yourself.
Grape or Cherry Tomatoes – add freshness and flavor.
Bell Pepper – adds great color and flavor.
Red Onion – gives this salad zesty flavor.
Doritos – for awesome crunch! Feel free to swap for another flavor or use plan tortilla chips.
HOW TO MAKE TACO PASTA SALAD
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Prepare the pasta according to the package and set aside.
Cook the beef in a skillet and add the taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
Break doritos apart, do not crush them.
Mix all ingredients together and mix well.
Serve right away.
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT TACO PASTA SALAD
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Add in the pasta, 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning, salt, and water to the Instant Pot insert. Close the lid and turn the vent to the sealing position. Set to manual pressure/high pressure for 4 minutes followed by a quick release.
Remove the pasta, drain, and transfer to a bowl.
Cook the beef in a skillet and add the taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.
Break the Doritos into pieces but do not crush them.
Mix all ingredients together and serve right away.
EXPERT TIPS
Use lean ground beef for less calories and less mess.
Mix all of the ingredients in advance, except for the dressing and the chips. Add the dressing and Doritos just before serving.
Use an extra large bowl. You will need lots of room to mix all of the ingredients.
DELICIOUS VARIATIONS
Add More Veggies – Try mixing in shredded lettuce, corn, black beans, chopped avocado or black olives.
Use Chicken – Swap out the ground beef for ground, shredded or cubed chicken.
Top It Off – Sprink the top with sliced green onion, cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.
Change the Dressing – Try Catalina dressing or a creamy avocado ranch.
Spice It Up – Add jalapenos, a spicy dressing or spicy doritos to give this recipe a kick of heat.
Use Different Pasta – A short pasta works best here and you could use corkscrews, bowtie, elbow macaroni and more.
MAKE AHEAD AND STORAGE
Prep Ahead – The pasta and the meat can be made in advance and the ingredients assembled just before serving. As with many pasta dishes, the flavor gets better with time so make and assemble up to 24 hours in advance, but mix in the Doritos and French dressing just before serving.
Storage – keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
