Doritos Taco Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Tex-Mex Delight
A bold Tex-Mex pasta salad combining crisp Doritos, seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh veggies. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish offers a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and zesty flavor for any gathering.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, browned
- 1 box rotini pasta, cooked and rinsed
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can chili beans, drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1.5 cups French dressing
- 1 bag nacho cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- Sour cream and extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Taco Seasoning & Beans: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir well to coat evenly. Add the drained chili beans to the skillet and mix thoroughly, letting it heat through for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, seasoned beef mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and green onions.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Pour the French dressing into the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated. Gently fold in the shredded Mexican cheese blend until well incorporated.
- Top with Crispy Chips: Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch. Add a dollop of sour cream and additional green onions for garnish, and serve immediately.
Notes
Check taco seasoning for halal certification if required. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For a creamy twist, add avocado halves before serving.