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This vibrant and hearty Taco Pasta Salad is where the world of pasta collides deliciously with your favorite taco flavors. Packed with savory taco-seasoned meat, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lime kick, it brings the color and excitement of Tex-Mex to your table in one easy, crowd-pleasing bowl.

Perfect for everything from summer barbecues to potluck dinners or even a refreshing weeknight dinner, this dish is the ultimate cold pasta salad that doesn’t skimp on bold taste. Serve it chilled, pair it with lime wedges, and watch it disappear fast.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Taco Pasta Salad?

Short, twisty pastas like rotini or fusilli are ideal. They hold onto the flavorful taco seasoning and catch all the juicy bits of tomatoes, onions, and ground meat in their grooves. These pastas also chill well without getting soggy, making them perfect for salads served cold.

Ingredients for the Taco Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta – Its spiral shape holds onto the taco flavors beautifully.

Ground Turkey or Beef – A seasoned protein base that mimics taco filling.

Taco Seasoning – Adds bold, smoky, and spicy flavor that defines the dish.

Cherry Tomatoes – Fresh and juicy, they provide brightness and color.

Red Bell Pepper – Adds sweetness and crunch for texture contrast.

Red Onion – Brings a sharp bite that balances the richness of the meat.

Fresh Cilantro & Parsley – Offer a fresh, herbaceous lift.

Lime Juice – A zesty squeeze cuts through the richness and enhances flavor.

Crumbled Cotija or Feta Cheese – Salty and creamy, it finishes the salad with flair.

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How To Make the Taco Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Meat

In a skillet, cook ground turkey or beef over medium heat. Once browned, stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened, then let it cool.

Step 3: Chop the Veggies

Dice red bell peppers, slice cherry tomatoes, and finely chop red onions, parsley, and cilantro.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, taco meat, and all chopped veggies. Add lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Top with crumbled cheese, extra herbs, and lime wedges. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Flavor-Packed Salad

Serve this salad cold, straight from the fridge. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that actually gets better as it sits. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If the pasta starts absorbing too much liquid, refresh with a splash of lime juice or olive oil.

What to Serve With Taco Pasta Salad?

Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter

Sweet and smoky, it complements the zesty taco flavors perfectly.

Cheesy Quesadillas

Serve alongside for a melty, cheesy bite that pairs with the salad.

Guacamole & Chips

A classic dip-and-crunch combo that adds creaminess.

Cilantro Lime Rice

For a more filling meal, serve with this aromatic side.

Churro Bites

End on a sweet note with cinnamon-sugar treats.

Spicy Mango Salsa

Fruity and fiery, it balances the savoriness.

Black Bean Soup

Warm and hearty contrast to the chilled salad.

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Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you’re loving this bold twist on taco flavors, here are more pasta and taco-inspired creations to dive into:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for something ultra comforting.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you want dinner fast.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich, satisfying option.
• Taco Ranch Bites if you’re hosting and need finger food.
• Cheesy Taco Cupcakes for a fun, portable way to enjoy taco flavors.

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Did you make it with beef or try ground chicken? Toss in some jalapeños for extra heat? Let me know how it turned out!

Get inspired with more flavor-packed creations on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest.

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Taco Pasta Salad

Summary

This Taco Pasta Salad is everything you love about tacos and pasta, rolled into one colorful, crowd-pleasing bowl. With seasoned meat, vibrant vegetables, and a zing of lime, it’s perfect as a quick lunch, picnic staple, or easy dinner idea. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry group, this is a food idea worth repeating. Great for healthy snack seekers or anyone chasing bold flavor in a cold dish.

List of Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Brown ground meat in a skillet, add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened, then cool.
3. Dice bell pepper, slice tomatoes, and chop red onion, cilantro, and parsley.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, meat, vegetables, and herbs.
5. Add lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together.
6. Top with cheese and garnish with extra herbs and lime wedges.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-bake / Chilled
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Keywords: taco pasta salad, cold pasta salad, summer potluck recipes, picnic salad, taco side dish
• Diet: Gluten-Free adaptable with GF pasta
• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g

Notes

• Let the pasta cool fully before mixing to avoid wilting the veggies.
• Add avocado or black beans for a heartier version.

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