Loaded Taco Pasta Salad
Loaded Taco Pasta Salad is an easy, high-protein dinner made with fresh ingredients and all your favorite taco flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, Taco Tuesday, or potlucks!
Ingredients
- 6 oz Brami Protein Pasta or your favorite high-protein rotini
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93/7 recommended
- 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 romaine heart shredded
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ large red onion finely diced
- ¼ bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 cup freshly shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado diced
- About ½ cup Chick-fil-A Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing or more to taste
- ½ 3.5-ounce bag tortilla strips
- Salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the protein pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning according to the package directions. Remove from the heat and allow the beef to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the Avocado Lime Ranch dressing until evenly coated.
- In a large serving bowl, layer the dressed pasta, chopped romaine, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, chopped cilantro, and tortilla strips.
- Toss everything together just before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, wait to add the tortilla strips until just before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.
- Serve with your favorite salsa for an extra burst of taco flavor. Everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, store the tortilla strips separately and add them just before serving.
- Lean ground turkey or ground chicken can easily be substituted for the ground beef.
- Add a little extra Avocado Lime Ranch dressing after tossing if you'd like a creamier salad.