This Taco Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines. The pasta is cooked to perfection and then tossed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. The salad is dressed with a zesty homemade French dressing that adds a tangy and creamy touch to the dish. It's a perfect choice for potlucks, picnics, or even a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the bold flavors and refreshing taste of this easy-to-make Taco Pasta Salad!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!