Go Back
+ servings
Spicy High Protein Fiesta Pasta Salad

Spicy High Protein Fiesta Pasta Salad for Delicious Meal Prep

This Spicy High Protein Fiesta Pasta Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Ground Beef lean options like 90/10
  • 2 cups Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli) cooked al dente
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning to infuse flavor
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Hellmann's recommended
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tsp Chipotle Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 medium Tomato seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup Coriander fresh
  • 1 medium Jalapeños adjust quantity to taste
  • 1 cup Corn drained
  • 1 can Black Beans firm varieties
For Serving
  • 1 medium Fresh Avocado optional for richness
  • Cilantro optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, boil the rotini or fusilli pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb ground beef for 6-8 minutes, adding taco seasoning in the last 2 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons chipotle seasoning, and 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. Add lime juice and mix until smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooled pasta and seasoned beef to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  5. Fold in the Vegetables: Gently fold in diced tomatoes, coriander, jalapeños, corn, and black beans. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled, garnished with cilantro or avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cool pasta before adding dressing, mix dressing well, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!