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Bowl of creamy ranch taco pasta salad with beans, corn, and cheese.

Creamy Ranch Taco Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is the perfect combination of taco flavors and easy summer cooking, ideal for potlucks and quick dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 8 oz Rotini pasta Can substitute with shells, bowties, or elbows.
  • 1 lb Ground beef or turkey Cooked and seasoned like taco meat; shredded chicken can be used.
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing Use your favorite bottled or homemade.
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream Adds creaminess.
  • 2 tbsp Taco seasoning Adjust for spice preference.
Add-ins
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese Shredded, melts into flavors.
  • 1 cup Corn Canned, frozen, or grilled.
  • 1 cup Black beans Optional for added texture.
  • 1 cup Grape tomatoes Less watery option.
  • 1/4 cup Red onion Can swap for green onions for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Crushed tortilla chips Add right before serving for crunch.
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice Optional for added freshness.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Optional for garnish.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta and Meat
  1. Cook your pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
  2. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet, drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Allow to cool.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, mix ranch dressing, sour cream, and an extra pinch of taco seasoning.
  2. Add cooled pasta, taco meat, cheddar cheese, corn, black beans, grape tomatoes, and onion. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Chill for at least 30 minutes, then taste and adjust with salt, pepper, lime juice, or more ranch if needed.
Serving
  1. Top with crushed tortilla chips and cilantro right before serving.

Notes

Keep tortilla chips separate until serving to ensure they stay crunchy. If making ahead, save some ranch dressing to stir in before serving.