Taco Pasta Salad

Name: Taco Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb medium pasta shells (or other pasta shape); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 2 cups corn, frozen, canned, or fresh (cooked); 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped; 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced; 1 1/2 cups salsa; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 3 avocados, firm but ripe - diced

A Taco Pasta Salad is a great idea for any event, from weeknight taco nights to potlucks or picnics. It's hearty enough to be the main course or a cool side dish to other grill recipes. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix to make pasta salad with taco seasoning. It's packed with all your favorite ingredients like black beans, corn, cilantro, tomatoes, salsa, lime juice, avocados and cheese. Chill before you serve, and enjoy!

10 Minutes Prep
45 Minutes Total

12 Servings

Ingredient List

1 lb medium pasta shells (or other pasta shape)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups corn, frozen, canned, or fresh (cooked)
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 1/2 cups salsa
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
3 avocados, firm but ripe - diced

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, cilantro, tomatoes, and salsa. Toss gently.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, and garlic. Pour over pasta and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.
Right before serving, toss in the cheese and avocado. Add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream or crushed tortillas.

Expert Tips

This Taco Pasta Salad works best with firm but ripe avocados. Overly ripe avocados will become mushy.
You can make Taco Pasta Salad with shells or any small pasta shape. Feel free to use what you have on hand.
Reserve a small amount of veggies to sprinkle on top of the cold taco pasta salad for a pretty presentation.