Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad is loaded with Mexican flavors and ready in no time. With a creamy, zesty dressing and all of your favorite toppings, this easy pasta salad is perfect for your next party!

Be sure to check out this Cheesy Taco Cups, Corn and Tomato Salad and Honey Barbecue Pork Tacos

Tacos are a crowd favorite, just ask anyone who celebrates #tacotuesday. My husband and I never miss a chance to grab Mexican food, so it’s no surprise this taco pasta salad has become a staple in our summer rotation.

Since easy pasta salads are my go-to during the warmer months, I figured now was the perfect time to share this one. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, loaded with flavor, and perfect for parties, BBQs, or a simple weeknight dinner.

This meatless taco pasta salad is packed with all the classics, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and tossed in a creamy, zesty taco dressing. It’s basically your favorite taco, just in pasta salad form!

It makes a generous batch, can be prepped ahead, and tastes best chilled, ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

Craving more taco-inspired dishes? Try my Instant Pot Taco Rice or Baked Chicken Tacos they’re sure to hit the spot!

Ingredients Needed for Taco Pasta Salad

This recipe is comprised of perfectly al dente pasta, veggies and spices, and a delicious creamy pasta salad dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe: 

• Pasta
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Taco seasoning 
• Garlic powder
• Cherry tomatoes
• Corn
• Black beans
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Fresh cilantro 

How to Make Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on classic pasta salad with a zesty Tex-Mex flair. It’s easy to make, perfect for potlucks or summer meals, and gets even tastier after chilling in the fridge.

1. To start, cook about 10 ounces of pasta until al dente, drain, and then rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the taco salad dressing. In a large bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning. 
3. Add the pasta to the bowl, along with some cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Mix together.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. The flavors will deepen and become more delicious once it has been chilled.

What to Serve with Taco Salad:

If you’re serving this as a main dish, guacamole and tortilla chips or garlic bread would be a tasty side dish.

Should I Serve This Warm or Cold? 

This taco salad with pasta should be served cold, so it’s best to chill for at least two hours before serving so the flavors can deepen and blend together. 

How Long Does Pasta Salad Last? 

While it’s best eaten within the first day, as the dressing tends to become less creamy over time, it will last in the refrigerator for up to five days. I actually prefer eating this salad on the second and third days, as the flavors seem to be the strongest then.

Recipe Variations:

There are so many simple ways to switch up this creamy pasta salad! Here are my top suggestions: 

• Add some meat! Ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or chorizo would be a tasty addition to this easy salad recipe.
• Switch up the taco seasoning! Add some spicy taco seasoning, or a few jalapeños to add some more flavor.
• Sprinkle in more of your favorite toppings! Green bell peppers, black olives, or chopped avocado would be a delicious addition.
• More cheese, please! Feta or Monterey jack cheese would work well in this pasta salad.
• Put some crunch on top! Crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle in right before serving.

Looking for more easy pasta salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!

• BLT Ranch Pasta Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Cherry Balsamic Pasta Salad
• Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
• Italian Chicken Salad
• Pizza Pasta Salad