Taco Pasta Salad

I've had summer on my mind lately and with all the snow we've been getting, who could blame me.

Thinking of summer got me thinking about summer-y foods and pasta salad is right up there at the top of the list. The only thing better may be anything off the grill.

Of course I love tacos too and while I was enjoying them last night I was reminded of a pasta recipe I hadn't made in a few years. I wondered if I could find it.

Amazingly I did find it and it was just as yummy as I remembered. And the reminder that summer would be here eventually didn't hurt either.

Taco Pasta Salad

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 lb. ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups halved grape tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing
Tortilla chips

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add taco seasoning according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
Drain pasta and rinse in cold water.
In a large bowl, stir together pasta and ground beef. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, olives and dressing; toss to coat. Serve with tortilla chips.


I've also substituted kidney beans for the ground beef for a fun salad.