Taco Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 packet (1 ounce) of taco seasoning
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn
• 1 cup of bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup of green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of taco sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef, adding 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes until thickened.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
5. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell peppers, shredded cheese, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. Gently fold together.

Nutrition