Fiesta Pasta Salad is a high-protein, make-ahead pasta salad combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cottage cheese-based taco dressing. It delivers Tex-Mex flavors with macro-friendly nutrition suited for meal prep.
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In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cooked cavatappi pasta, corn, black beans, grape tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
To make the dressing, add cottage cheese, taco sauce, and 8g of taco seasoning to a blender.
Blend until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy.
Pour most of the dressing over the salad, reserving a small amount for drizzling on top later.
Toss the salad until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing, then set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and the remaining 3/4 packet of taco seasoning.
Cook the beef on one side without moving it until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
Flip the beef and use a spatula to break it up into small pieces. Continue cooking until just cooked through, being careful not to overcook.
To assemble, place a portion of the pasta salad base into a serving bowl.
Top the salad with a portion of the cooked taco ground beef.
Drizzle with the reserved creamy taco dressing.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and enjoy.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to prevent sogginess; toss together before eating.
Yes. Assemble the salad without dressing up to 1 day in advance, then toss with the cottage cheese dressing right before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.
The dressing replaces traditional mayo-based dressings with 2% cottage cheese blended with taco sauce and seasoning, keeping calories down while boosting protein.
Yes. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or seasoned black beans work well as protein alternatives with similar macros.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may separate slightly.
Yes. Double all ingredients proportionally, or halve them. The dressing ratio of 113g cottage cheese to 113g taco sauce should stay consistent.
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