why make this recipe
Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad is a fun twist on traditional pasta salads. It combines the flavors of tacos and pasta, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The crunch from the Doritos adds a unique texture that makes this pasta salad stand out.
how to make Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound rotini pasta
- 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
- 1/2 yellow sweet pepper, chopped
- 1/4 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup French dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cup nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Directions:
- In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. Drain all grease except for about 3 tablespoons.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef, stir well, and set aside.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rotini, chopped sweet pepper, diced onion, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded lettuce. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Drizzle the French dressing and sour cream over the salad and mix again.
- Garnish the salad with the crushed nacho cheese Doritos on top.
- Serve and ENJOY!
how to serve Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad
You can serve this pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It works well as a main dish or a side. For a full meal, add some grilled chicken or more vegetables. You can present it in a large bowl and let everyone serve themselves, or you can portion it into individual plates. Don’t forget to add extra crushed Doritos on each serving for an added crunch!
how to store Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad
To store leftovers, keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three days. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider adding the Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy. Reheat any leftover meat if necessary, but the salad is best enjoyed cold.
tips to make Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad
- For extra flavor, add some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Use different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a healthier option.
variation
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding black beans or chickpeas for protein. You can also swap the French dressing for a creamy ranch or a spicy salsa to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a day in advance. Just wait to add the Doritos until right before serving.
What can I serve with Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or even as part of a larger buffet spread.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure the taco seasoning and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies like corn, olives, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad
A fun twist on traditional pasta salads, combining tacos and pasta for a unique flavor.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound rotini pasta
- 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
- 1/2 yellow sweet pepper, chopped
- 1/4 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup French dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cup nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Instructions
- In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. Drain all grease except for about 3 tablespoons.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef, stir well, and set aside.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rotini, chopped sweet pepper, diced onion, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded lettuce. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Drizzle the French dressing and sour cream over the salad and mix again.
- Garnish the salad with the crushed nacho cheese Doritos on top.
- Serve and ENJOY!
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
