Zesty Creamy Ranch Taco Pasta Salad Recipe: Summer’s Best Side

Crafting a delightful ranch taco pasta salad becomes an instant crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings.

Crisp vegetables and zesty seasonings dance together in this refreshing dish.

Southwest flavors blend seamlessly with cool, tangy dressing.

Hearty pasta provides a satisfying base for vibrant ingredients.

Colorful bell peppers and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination.

Quick to assemble and bursting with flavor, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal.

Why Taco Pasta Salad Tastes So Good

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: Combine zesty taco seasoning, creamy ranch, and tangy salsa for a mouthwatering taste adventure that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's preferences and cravings.
• Perfect Potluck Champion: This crowd-pleasing pasta salad travels well, serves a crowd, and brings excitement to picnics, barbecues, and casual gatherings with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master, making it a stress-free meal option for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ranch Taco Pasta

• Trottole Pasta: A fun, twisted pasta shape that captures the creamy dressing and holds the other ingredients well.

• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the taco-inspired pasta salad.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds bold, spicy Mexican-style flavor to the ground beef.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy sauce that adds richness to the pasta salad.
• Salsa: Brings a zesty and fresh tomato flavor to the dressing.
• Catalina Dressing: Adds a sweet and tangy element to the overall flavor profile.

• Tomatoes, Red Onions: Fresh ingredients that provide crunch and bright flavor to the salad.
• Lettuce: Adds a crisp texture and freshness to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a creamy and salty component to the pasta salad.

• Tortilla Chips: Offers a crispy texture and additional Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the ground beef and add a subtle richness.

How to Prepare Ranch Taco Pasta the Easy Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in trottole pasta and cook following the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Brown Savory Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.

Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Spice Up the Beef

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every bit of meat is coated with the zesty seasoning. Remove from heat and allow the beef to cool completely.

Step 4: Create Creamy Dressing

• Salsa
• Ranch dressing
• Catalina dressing

Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Cooled pasta
• Cooled seasoned beef
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped red onions
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped lettuce

Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to combine.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Finale

Just before serving, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top or serve them on the side to maintain their crispy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Dish out the Tangy Taco Pasta Delight and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed meal!

Helpful Tips for Taco Pasta Salad Success

• Add crushed tortilla chips just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture.
• Let pasta and ground beef cool entirely before mixing to prevent wilting lettuce and maintain salad's freshness.
• Remove fat from ground beef to keep the salad light and prevent oily texture.
• Adjust ranch and Catalina dressing proportions to suit your taste preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for varied protein alternatives.

Great Spins for Ranch Taco Pasta Salad

• Vegetarian Fiesta Pasta: Replace ground beef with black beans or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, and sprinkle cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
• Mexican Street Corn Fusion: Mix in grilled corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder for authentic street food flavor.
• Mediterranean Crossover: Swap ranch for tzatziki, add cucumber, and use feta cheese to give the salad a Greek-inspired profile.

What Matches Well with Taco Pasta Salad

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Pair this zesty pasta salad with crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo for a refreshing contrast that cuts through the creamy dressing.
• Sidekick Selection: Serve alongside chilled corn salsa or fresh guacamole to enhance the taco-inspired flavor profile and add delightful texture variation.
• Complementary Crunch: Add crispy jalapeño poppers as a spicy appetizer that echoes the salad's southwestern spirit and provides a hot counterpoint to the cool pasta.
• Beverage Brilliance: Blend fresh lime margarita with the meal to amplify the tangy salsa notes and create a complete Mexican-inspired dining experience.

How to Store Leftover Ranch Pasta Salad

Store the pasta salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the tortilla chips separate to maintain their crunchiness.

Avoid freezing this dish as the lettuce and creamy dressing will separate and lose texture when thawed, resulting in a watery, unappetizing meal.

Before serving leftovers, gently drain any accumulated liquid and give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

When ready to eat, add fresh crushed tortilla chips just before serving to restore the original crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute trottole with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells that will hold the dressing and ingredients well.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad in advance, keeping the tortilla chips separate. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground meat to create a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious taco-inspired flavors.

• How spicy is this pasta salad?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa. Choose mild versions for less heat or add hot salsa if you prefer a spicier kick.

Creamy Ranch Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ranch-infused taco pasta salad delivers a fiesta of southwestern flavors dancing across your plate. Zesty spices, tender pasta, and cool creamy dressing combine for a crowd-pleasing summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 16 ounces trottole pasta
• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup corn

Seasonings and Dressings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup chunky salsa
• 3/4 cup ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup Catalina dressing

Serving:

• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook trottole pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and brown ground beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically until fully cooked. Eliminate excess grease.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over cooked beef, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Whisk salsa, ranch dressing, and Catalina dressing in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well integrated.
5. Combine cooled pasta and beef in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold in chopped tomatoes, diced red onions, shredded cheese, and crisp lettuce.
6. Pour prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing gently to ensure comprehensive coating of all ingredients.
7. Just before serving, scatter crushed tortilla chips across the top or present them separately to maintain their crunchiness.
8. Transfer to serving dish and present immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Customize the heat by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning based on your preference for a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian alternative that maintains the dish’s signature taste.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crisp textures, preventing soggy pasta and wilted vegetables before serving.
• Keep tortilla chips crunchy by adding them just before eating, ensuring maximum texture and preventing them from becoming soft and losing their delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 444 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg