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Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad

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A playful mashup of taco flavors and classic rotini pasta salad, perfect for casual gatherings and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
  • 1/2 pound rotini pasta (about 8 ounces)
  • 2 Tbsp taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 yellow sweet pepper chopped substitute: red bell pepper
  • 1/4 small white onion, diced substitute: red onion for milder flavor
  • 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 cup French dressing or Catalina for a tangier kick
  • 1/4 cup sour cream for garnish
  • 1 1/2 cups nacho cheese Doritos, crushed or use a different Doritos flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook until evenly browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  2. Drain all the grease except about 3 tablespoons in the pan. Return the beef to the heat, add the taco seasoning, stir until coated, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Meanwhile, cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking; drain well.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned beef, chopped yellow pepper, diced onion, halved grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and shredded iceberg lettuce.
  5. Pour in the French dressing and add the sour cream (reserve a little for garnishing if you like). Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
  6. Fold in most of the crushed Doritos, reserving a handful for topping.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with remaining Doritos and a dollop of sour cream, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the Doritos in a separate bag to preserve crunch. For a creamier texture, stir in extra dressing or a splash of milk if the salad seems dry after sitting.
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