Description
This creamy ranch taco pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, and a flavorful ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal, it features a blend of savory taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Served cold, it’s a satisfying and crowd-pleasing salad with Tex-Mex flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 lb rotini or bowtie pasta (cooked and drained)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water (to use with taco seasoning)
Dressing & Cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables & Extras (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside to prevent overcooking and sticking.
- Brown the ground meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully done. Drain any excess grease to keep the salad from being too oily.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix along with 1/2 cup water, following the seasoning packet directions. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld and it’s heated through, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, seasoned ground meat, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and frozen corn. Gently stir everything to combine evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Season to taste: Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Chill the salad: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cold.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the creamy ranch taco pasta salad chilled as a flavorful side or a light main dish perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey to make a leaner version.
- Feel free to add or omit optional vegetables based on preference or availability.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance to deepen the flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free if needed.
