Best 6 Merlies Taco Pasta Salad Recipes

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Are you looking for a quick and easy pasta salad recipe that's packed with flavor? Then look no further than this merlies taco pasta salad! This dish is the ultimate combination of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors. With its taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy avocado dressing, and a variety of colorful toppings, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes. So, get ready to satisfy your cravings with this delicious and satisfying pasta salad!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

TACO PASTA SALAD



Taco Pasta Salad image

Two favorite salads meet in this fun side dish - a taco and pasta salad perfect for parties.

Provided by mssyann8

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup French salad dressing
1 (7 ounce) bag corn chips
2 tablespoons sour cream

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spiral pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in ground beef. Cook and stir until beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir taco seasoning into beef mixture; cool.
  • Stir beef mixture into pasta; toss lettuce, tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, onion, French dressing, and corn chips into pasta mixture. Top with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 618.3 calories, Carbohydrate 46.4 g, Cholesterol 68.3 mg, Fat 38.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 22.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 980.4 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

TACO PASTA SALAD



Taco Pasta Salad image

My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. -Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing
Tortilla chips

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning; cool., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, green pepper and dressing; toss to coat. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624 calories, Fat 30g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 1454mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

MERLIE'S TACO PASTA SALAD



Merlie's Taco Pasta Salad image

I have a dear friend from Illinois that made this pasta salad for me and my family when she was here visiting me in Montreal. Its makes a ton of salad but its ever so yummy!

Provided by Lorrie in Montreal

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 (16 ounce) boxes tri-colored rotini pasta
2 lbs ground beef
2 (2 ounce) packages taco seasoning mix
2 green peppers, chopped
2 yellow onions, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 cups sliced pepperoni (your fave)
2 (1 liter) bottles western salad dressing
1 (16 ounce) bag shredded mexican cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta and set aside.
  • Brown Ground beef and add taco mix as directed on package.
  • Add half the onions and peppers and saute till lightly softened.
  • Transfer to a large bowl then add the remaining ingredients.
  • Use 1 1/2 bottles of dressing and add more if you like it juicier.
  • Serve warm or chilled the next day.
  • I noticed I enjoyed it even more the second day once the flavours had a chance to mingle.
  • I have never seen Western salad dressing here in Canada -- Merlie brought it from the states.
  • This makes a huge amount -- good for big family get-togethers or PotLucks.
  • If I made it again I would half all the ingredients.

TACO PASTA SALAD WITH FRENCH DRESSING



Taco Pasta Salad with French Dressing image

This is a nice twist on a taco salad. It works well for potlucks or family get-togethers.

Provided by Veronica Standeven

Categories     Salad     Taco Salad Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound lean ground beef
1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked tri-color rotini pasta
1 (16 ounce) bottle French salad dressing
1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
6 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup sliced green onions
1 (8 ounce) package nacho cheese-flavored corn chips (such as Doritos®), crushed

Steps:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and taco seasoning; saute until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and let cool, about 10 minutes.
  • Combine cooled beef and rotini with French dressing, black beans, and Cheddar cheese. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
  • Fold in lettuce, tomato, and green onions. Sprinkle crushed chips on top or serve on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 523.2 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Cholesterol 42.4 mg, Fat 34.1 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.3 g, Sodium 880.6 mg, Sugar 8.4 g

MEATLESS TACO SALAD



Meatless Taco Salad image

This colorful entree combines popular taco ingredients-minus the ground beef. And you won't miss the meat at all! I top each serving with a creamy guacamole dressing, crunchy corn chips and cheese. -Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/3 cup guacamole
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon prepared Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
3 cups shredded lettuce
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup crushed corn chips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, beans and olives. Arrange lettuce mixture on 2 serving plates; top with guacamole mixture. Sprinkle with corn chips and cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 486 calories, Fat 33g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 849mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

TACO PASTA SALAD



Taco Pasta Salad image

This is from the 2006 Quick Cooking Annual Recipes. It goes together quickly...great for a hot summer night

Provided by cookCol

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked spiral shaped pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups halved grape tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup Catalina dressing
tortilla chips

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning; cool.
  • Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into meat mixture. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onion, green pepper and dressing; toss to coat. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458.7, Fat 27.6, SaturatedFat 9.7, Cholesterol 71.2, Sodium 352.7, Carbohydrate 29.1, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 4.9, Protein 23.4

Tips:

  • To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or ground beef.
  • For a vegetarian option, use tofu or beans instead of meat.
  • Add your favorite taco toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
  • If you don't have taco seasoning, you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes and sizes.
  • This salad is best served chilled, so make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This taco pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a potluck, picnic, or party. It is also a great way to use up leftover taco meat or chicken. With its bold flavors and customizable toppings, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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