Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

4.5
(10)
7 Reviews
3 Photos

I made this Tex-Mex pasta salad recipe for my husband to take on a guy's skiing weekend. It has plenty of beef and cheese; very hearty, and a big hit. I have brought it to a family reunion, and now they request it every year!

Submitted by Jennifer Snchez
Updated on April 14, 2025
3
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins
Servings:
10
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta

  • 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef

  • 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

  • 1 (24 ounce) jar mild salsa

  • 1 (8 ounce) bottle ranch dressing

  • 1 ½ red bell peppers, chopped

  • ¾ cup chopped pickled jalapeño peppers

  • 6 green onions, chopped

  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives (Optional)

  • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Fill a large pot with water; add oil and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package directions until firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; stir in ground beef. Cook and stir until crumbly, and browned. Drain excess grease. Mix in taco seasoning mix, remove from heat, and cool completely.

  3. Combine salsa, dressing, bell peppers, jalapeños, green onions, and black olives in a large bowl. Add pasta, beef mixture, and Cheddar cheese; toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

597 Calories
34g Fat
43g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 597
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 85mg 28%
Sodium 1541mg 67%
Total Carbohydrate 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 30g 60%
Vitamin C 27mg 30%
Calcium 216mg 17%
Iron 4mg 22%
Potassium 612mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.