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Crispy Taco Pasta Salad with Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing

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A quick and flavorful pasta salad combining crunchy tortilla strips, seasoned taco meat, and a bright cilantro-lime dressing for a satisfying and vibrant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crunchy tortilla strips or crushed taco shells
  • 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. If using, cook ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, finely chop red onion, and rinse and drain black beans and corn if canned or frozen.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked meat if using. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle crunchy tortilla strips or crushed taco shells on top to maintain their crispness.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and cool it for salad. Add tortilla strips just before serving to keep them crunchy. Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese for vegan or dairy-free versions. Gluten-free pasta and corn-based tortilla strips make this salad gluten-free. Cook pasta and meat simultaneously to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, cilantro lime dressing, pasta salad, taco salad, easy dinner, potluck recipe, quick meal, crunchy tortilla strips

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/crispy-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-cilantro-lime-dressing-guide/