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Ranch Taco Pasta Salad

Ranch Taco Pasta Salad: A Fun Twist for Your Gatherings

Ranch Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and customizable dish perfect for gatherings, blending creamy ranch and zesty taco flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Fully cooked for best flavor absorption
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing Use your favorite brand
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning For a zesty kick
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for sweetness
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Diced for crunch
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Diced for sweetness and color
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Diced, optional depending on taste
For Protein and Extras
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Corn Drained canned corn
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped, for garnish
  • 1 cup Tortilla Strips or Doritos Optional for added crunch

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and taco seasoning, stirring well until fully blended. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, transfer cooled rotini pasta. Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta and toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, red onion, black beans, and drained corn to the pasta bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a light toss and garnish with cilantro and optional tortilla strips or Doritos. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, ensure pasta is cooled before mixing with dressing. Customize ingredients to your liking and keep tortilla strips separate until serving for maximum crunch.

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