Dorito Taco Pasta Salad (Print Format)
Bold flavors blend pasta, ground beef, cheeses, tomatoes, and Doritos in Catalina dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish.
# Ingredients:
01 -
16 ounces rotini pasta
02 -
1 pound ground beef
03 -
1 ounce taco seasoning
04 -
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
05 -
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
06 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 -
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
08 -
1 cup Catalina dressing
09 -
2 cups nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
10 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles completely.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking it up as it cooks for about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
03 -
Return the skillet to the stove over medium-low heat. Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the meat and add the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the liquid reduces. Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef cool completely.
04 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, cooled taco ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
05 -
Pour the Catalina dressing over the pasta mixture and toss all the ingredients together with a large spoon until everything is evenly coated.
06 -
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving.
07 -
Just before serving the salad, gently fold in the crushed nacho cheese Doritos. Top with the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
# Tips:
01 -
For optimal flavor, serve the salad immediately after adding the Doritos to maintain their crunch.