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Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos

Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos: A Crunchy Fiesta Bowl

Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos is a colorful, crunchy dish featuring taco-seasoned meat, rotini pasta, and fresh veggies, all drizzled in tangy Catalina dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey for lighter option
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta cook until al dente
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning use high-quality brands
  • 1 cup Catalina Dressing use premium brands for best flavor
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Tomato (diced) provides freshness
  • 1 cup Onion (diced) substitute with green onions if desired
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels use fresh or canned (drained)
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper (diced) any color will work
  • 1 optional Jalapeño omit for milder flavor
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos add just before serving
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese extra-sharp recommended

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking into small pieces. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmer for 2-3 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add rotini pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, taco meat, diced tomatoes, onions, corn, and bell peppers. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently.
  4. Drizzle Catalina dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients, aiming for a marbled effect.
  5. Just before serving, crush the Nacho Cheese Doritos slightly and fold them into the salad for added crunch.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving platter and top with additional uncrushed Doritos and fresh lettuce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Add Doritos last to ensure they stay crunchy. Cook pasta al dente to avoid sogginess. Adjust seasoning after adding dressing.

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