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Cold Taco Pasta Salad

A refreshing and vibrant pasta salad combining classic taco flavors with fresh vegetables and tangy Catalina dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing
  • 8 oz Rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta shape) Cooked until al dente
  • 1 cup Catalina dressing For a tangy flavor
Fresh Vegetables
  • 1 cup Bell peppers (any color) Chopped
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Black olives Drained
  • 1 cup Corn Canned or frozen, drained
  • 1 medium Red onion Finely diced
  • 1 cup Fresh cilantro (optional) For garnish
Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded cheese Cheddar or taco blend

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the bell peppers, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and finely dice the red onion. Drain the black olives and corn.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, shredded cheese, and black olives. Drizzle the Catalina dressing over the top and stir until everything is well combined.
Chilling
  1. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Best enjoyed cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate dressing if possible to keep pasta from getting soggy.