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Crunchy Taco Pasta Salad Recipe with Doritos and Tangy Catalina Dressing

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring crunchy Doritos and a tangy Catalina dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or your favorite short pasta
  • 1 cup cooked and drained black beans (optional)
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
  • 2 tbsp lime juice, fresh
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 2 cups Doritos, crushed (Nacho Cheese flavor recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup red onion, and chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro if using. Drain 1 cup canned corn and rinse 1 cup black beans if adding. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Catalina dressing, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp chili powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, black beans, corn, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Just before serving, crush 2 cups of Doritos directly over the salad and gently fold them in to maintain crunch.
  6. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Add crushed Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy. Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent mushiness. Dressing can be made ahead. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check dressing ingredients. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and dairy-free Catalina dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, Doritos salad, Catalina dressing, crunchy pasta salad, quick pasta salad, taco salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/crunchy-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-with-doritos-and-tangy-catalina-dressing-easy-and-delicious/