Easy Taco Pasta Salad (Printable view)

Vibrant pasta salad featuring corn, black beans, avocado, and cheddar with zesty dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
04 - 1 cup canned corn, drained
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
07 - 1 avocado, diced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cheese

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Dressing

10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
13 - 1 packet taco seasoning
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

16 - 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
17 - Extra cilantro for serving

# How To Make:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and uniform.
04 - Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable and cheese mixture. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
05 - Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Just before serving, top with crushed tortilla chips and additional cilantro if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes total.
  • Bright, fresh ingredients that deliver classic Tex-Mex flavors.
  • Perfect vegetarian dish with customizable options for adding meat.
  • Great for potlucks, summer barbecues, and casual get-togethers.
  • Can be made ahead and chilled to meld flavors beautifully.
02 -
  • Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to cool quickly and halt cooking.
  • Allow the salad to chill at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld and deepen.
  • Prepare the dressing in advance to save time and enhance flavor.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best zing in the dressing.
  • For extra texture, add a handful of crunchy tortilla chips just before serving.
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