Description
Culinary magic unfolds with Taco Fusion Pasta Salad, blending Mexican zest and Italian comfort. Crisp textures and bold flavors dance together, inviting you to savor a delightful global taste adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Starch:
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked with taco seasonings
- 1 pound fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, de-seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 stalks scallions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup minced cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Dairy and Sauce:
- ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chunky salsa
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Craft a robust flavor base by browning ground beef, thoroughly draining excess oil, and incorporating taco seasoning until the meat is evenly coated and thoroughly cooled.
- Dice green and orange bell peppers into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Chop romaine lettuce into delicate ribbons, slice ripe tomatoes, and mince scallions and cilantro to enhance the salad’s fresh profile.
- Grate cheddar cheese into fine, melting-friendly shreds that will distribute smoothly across the pasta mixture.
- Cook fusilli pasta in generously salted boiling water until achieving perfect al dente texture, then rapidly cool under cold running water to halt cooking process.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, layer cooled pasta with seasoned taco meat, creating a harmonious foundation for the salad.
- Incorporate diced vegetables, shredded cheese, and herbs into the pasta and meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Fold sour cream gently through the salad, creating a creamy coating that binds all components together.
- Finish the dish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the entire salad, providing a bright, zesty note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Toss the salad thoroughly, allowing each ingredient to mingle and develop a complex, cohesive taste experience.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy pasta.
- Avoid adding sour cream and lettuce until just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent wilting.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for spice lovers who enjoy a kick.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep vegetables crunchy and flavors vibrant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg