Description
This Taco Pasta Salad blends al dente rotini with crisp cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty lime‑infused dressing seasoned with taco spices and creamy shredded cheese. Generous pieces of cooked smoked beef add heart‑warming protein, while fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vibrant, easy‑to‑make salad serves six and is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Great for summer!!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cooked smoked beef (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup corn kernels (drained)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain and rinse with cool water.
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt and pepper to create dressing.
- In a large bowl combine pasta, smoked beef, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, red onion, cheese, and cilantro.
- Pour dressing over mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Let rest 10 minutes or chill before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat
- add sliced jalapeños. Substitute smoked beef with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein. Rinse pasta with cold water to keep texture firm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: One‑pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Taco Pasta Salad, easy taco pasta salad, summer pasta salad recipe, quick pasta salad, smoked beef pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, taco pasta salad dressing, how to make taco pasta salad, taco pasta salad variations