Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad

Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad

This Doritos Locos Taco Pasta Salad is the ultimate mashup of a classic summer side and everyone’s favorite taco night flavors. It’s crunchy, zesty, and loaded with savory ground beef and fresh vegetables. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a meal-prep lunch that actually tastes amazing, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The secret to this recipe is the contrast between the tender rotini pasta and the bold, nacho-cheese crunch of the chips. It’s a “more is more” kind of salad that levels up the traditional potluck staple into something truly addictive.

Ingredients You Will Need

To get that perfect “Locos” flavor, you will need a mix of pantry staples and fresh produce.

The Base:

• 16 ounces rotini pasta (fusilli also works great to catch the dressing)

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning

• 1/4 cup water

The Fresh Mix-ins:

• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce (adds that classic taco crunch)

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

The Dressing:

• 1 cup Catalina or French dressing (this provides the signature sweetness and tang)

• 1/2 cup chunky salsa (mild or medium)

The Topping:

• 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed