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Seasoned with taco seasonings this Taco Pasta Salad is the perfect summertime side dish. It’s filled with green onions, bell peppers, corn, Mexican shredded cheese, and completely delicious!
Side dishes for grilling season!
I have been longing for warmer weather and made my BBQ Chicken Legs in the oven that taste as if they came right off the grill for weeks now.
It finally got warmer, and we bought a new grill. We made burgers with this Easy Taco Pasta Salad as the side dish.
It was so wonderful, and this recipe was so good the perfect summertime side dish.
Well, today we woke up to snow so I will be sitting here eating leftovers pretending like it’s still 60 degrees outside.
How to make Taco Pasta Salad:
Start by preparing your pasta according to the box directions. While the pasta is cooking prepare the dressing. Mix the dressing ingredients together and add the pasta once it is done. Mix well as you add in the remaining salad ingredients. Chill in the fridge at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Ingredient Notes:
- Rotini: other short pasta would work for this recipe as well.
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream
- Taco seasoning: homemade mix or a store bought packet works.
- Ranch seasoning: I used a dry packet of seasoning
- Green onions: diced.
- Bell peppers: I used a red bell pepper that has been diced.
- Corn: canned corn that has been drained.
- Cheese: I used a Mexican blended of shredded cheese. I found a cheese that was called Mexican blend in stores.
Directions:
Step One: Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water then set aside.
Recipe Tip
Use a pasta that is shapely! Rotini, penne, farfalle are great choices! You want the dressings and flavors to get into the pasta for the best taste!
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl add mayo and sour cream.
Add taco and ranch seasoning and mix until well combined.
Step Three – Add pasta that sour cream mix and toss until all pasta is coated.
Step Four: Add green onions, bell pepper, corn, and cheese.
Toss again to mix and then allow to chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
Cooking Tip:
When serving you want your pasta to be cooled. I drain mine and leave it in the colander then run cold water over the pasta to cool quickly.
Typically, you do not want to rinse your pasta, or the sauce will not be absorbed in it.
The only time it is acceptable to rinse pasta is when you are using it for a cold dish, such as pasta salad. Once cooked you can add it to the rest of your salad.
Can I make this Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Normally yes, you can make almost any pasta salad ahead of time. With this one, you still can get most of it done in advance.
Go ahead and cook your pasta. Mix that up with the other ingredients and the mayo/sour cream.
Store in the refrigerator. It should last roughly 2-4 days in the refrigerator.
Pasta Salad Recipes
- Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad
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Easy Taco Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 10 oz Rotini
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon Ranch seasoning, (dry)
- 1/2 cup Green onions, (diced)
- 1 cup Red bell pepper, (diced)
- 1 can Corn, (15.25 oz and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add mayo and sour cream. Add taco and ranch seasoning and mix until well combined. Add pasta to this and toss until all pasta is coated.
- Add green onions, bell pepper, corn, and cheese. Toss again to mix and then allow to chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- Tip: Use a pasta that is shapely! Rotini, penne, farfalle are great choices! You want the dressings and flavors to get into the pasta for the best taste!
Can I add red onions instead of green onions, or will it change the flavour a lot?
Red onions have a much stronger flavor than green onions. But if you like onions a lot then it would work!
I have been making this recipe for a couple years now and it’s one of my go to’s. I add everything as instructed, but I also has 1 6oz can of olives (I chop them up) and 1 lb cooked ground beef. If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I’ve been bringing it to potlucks and cooking it for people and I’ve been recommending it to anyone who will listen.
Thanks Clover!
This recipe was easy and delicious!! I added some of my homemade salsa too! Very yummy, I will definitely make again.
That’s addition sounds awesome! Glad you liked the recipe.
Hi this sounds amazing! Can I use Farfalle pasta? That’s all I have in the pantry right now.
Yes any pasta you have on hand will work!
Made this for supper tonight. Hubby and I both loved it! I bet it will be even better tomorrow when the flavors meld a little more. Brought some to our neighbors I was that confident! Thanks for a fast, simple and flavorful recipe…☺️
So glad you liked it!
Made this today, it was so good. Everyone devoured it!! Great recipe and super easy!
So glad everyone loved it!
The very best pasta recipe I’ve ever had! I shared the link on my FB!
Thank you!!
For the nutrition facts listed above.. how much is a serving size.. sounds sooo good.. was thinking to add chicken..
This was so quick and easy to make, not to mention super yummy!!! I topped it with deep fried jalapeños when serving and it was a big hit, definitely making again!!