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Loaded Doritos Taco Pasta Salad

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This loaded Doritos taco pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that combines taco-seasoned beef, pasta, fresh veggies, and crunchy Doritos in a creamy, zesty dressing. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or summer BBQs, it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini, fusilli, or bowtie pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey or black beans for vegetarian)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 2–3 tbsp homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen and thawed, or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2–3 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Chop lettuce, quarter tomatoes, dice onion and bell pepper. Rinse and drain black beans and corn.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, salsa, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk or extra lime juice.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, taco beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, shredded cheese, and half the lettuce. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and meld flavors.
  8. Right before serving, stir in crushed Doritos and remaining lettuce. Top with extra cheese, cilantro, and whole Doritos if desired.

Notes

For best results, add Doritos and lettuce just before serving to keep them crisp. To make ahead, prep all components and store separately, then combine at the last minute. For a vegetarian version, use extra beans instead of beef. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and chips. Add avocado or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor. Double the dressing for a creamier salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: Doritos taco pasta salad, party salad, cold pasta salad, taco salad, potluck recipe, easy summer salad, crowd pleaser, Tex-Mex salad, loaded salad, make ahead salad

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/loaded-doritos-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-cold-party-favorite/