Description
A bright, hearty salad that combines pasta, seasoned meat, beans, corn, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or taco dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Toss gently to blend the ingredients.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning with the amount of water as per the packet instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes until the seasoning coats the meat.
- Add the seasoned meat to the pasta mixture, drizzle with dressing, and toss until coated. Serve immediately or chill for an hour for a cold salad.
Notes
This salad keeps well in the fridge and often tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Use gluten-free pasta or Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing, Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg