Taco Pasta Salad

By Pattywak

Switch up Taco Tuesday with this Taco Pasta Salad! Taco meat mixed with pasta and all of your favorite taco toppings!

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package spiral pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, about 8 ounces
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 (2 1/4-ounce) cans sliced ripe olives, drained
• 1 (16-ounce) bottle Catalina or Western salad dressing
• 1 head lettuce, shredded

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes.

Rinse pasta in cold water and drain; place in a large bowl.

Add beef mixture, cheese, green pepper, onion, tomato and olives; mix well.

Add the dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Fold in shredded lettuce right before serving to prevent it from wilting. You can also add to individual servings if you choose