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–+ servings
Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad with Catalina Dressing

Quick Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad with Catalina Dressing Delight

A delightful Cheesy Taco Pasta Salad with Catalina Dressing that's perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Can substitute with any short pasta.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternative.
For Flavoring
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Homemade is great for customizing spice levels.
For Freshness
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with diced bell peppers or canned tomatoes.
For Crunch
  • 1 bunch Green Onions Can substitute with chives or finely chopped red onions.
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar + Monterey Jack) Can substitute with pepper jack for extra kick.
For Dressing
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing Any sweet vinaigrette can be a substitute.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Doritos (Crushed) Any tortilla chips or toasted nuts can be a substitute.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning.
  3. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, taco-seasoned beef, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, and shredded cheese until well combined.
  4. Drizzle Catalina dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes or serve immediately while fresh.
  6. Crush Doritos into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the salad just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 12mg

Notes

Ensure pasta is cooked al dente and doritos are added last for maximum crunch.

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