Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

My whole family loves this Taco Pasta Salad. I’ve been making it for over 10 years now.  This recipe is from the July/August 2006 issue of Country Woman Magazine. Everyone that I have served it to, loves it. Hope you do too!

Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1  1/4 cups mayonnaise
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
3  3/4 teaspoons cider vinegar
3  3/4 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon ground mustard
7 cups torn iceberg lettuce
1 – 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cups crushed nacho tortilla chips

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning; heat through.

2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar and mustard; set aside.

3. Drain pasta; place in a large bowl. Add beef and mayonnaise mixture; toss to coat. Add lettuce, tomatoes and cheese; toss to combine. Sprinkle with tortilla chips.

Serves 12-14

Linda’s Notes:

• You can use any bite size pasta. I have also used elbow, shells and other shaped pasta. They all work well.
• I don’t like mustard, so I don’t use it.
• I have used all kinds of lettuce, not just iceberg. I use raw spinach, too.
• You can also use plain tortilla chips. Or none. I often serve this without chips.
• We like to sprinkle the cheese on the top, instead of stirring in.
• It’s delicious served warm like the recipe says. I also make this ahead of time and refrigerate. Served cold with or without chips it makes a great summer meal.