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Easy Taco Pasta Salad Summer

Easy Taco Pasta Salad Summer: A Colorful Twist You’ll Love

Enjoy this Easy Taco Pasta Salad Summer, a vibrant and customizable dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini or Fusilli Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Use any vibrant tomato variety if unavailable.
  • 1 15 oz can Canned Black Beans Can replace with kidney beans or chickpeas.
  • 1 15 oz can Canned Corn Fresh corn kernels can also be used.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Substitute with yellow or orange for variety.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Soak in cold water for a milder taste if preferred.
  • 1 medium Avocado Use lime juice to prevent browning if prepared ahead.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Omit if not a fan or replace with parsley.
For the Dressings
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Use plant-based cheese for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Substitute with Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Vegan mayo can replace regular mayo.
  • 2 Tbsp Lime Juice Fresh lime is preferable.
  • 1 Tbsp Taco Seasoning Adjust the blend to taste.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips Sprinkle just before serving to maintain texture.
  • 1/4 cup Extra Cilantro Fresh garnish enhances visual appeal.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Smaller Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini or fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, canned corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, cubed avocado, and chopped cilantro.
  4. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Gently fold the cooled pasta into the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently until well-coated.
  6. Cover the mixed salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Just before serving, remove the salad from the refrigerator and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top and garnish with extra cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Easy Taco Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

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