what's cookin’: taco mac salad

Anyone else just not have it in them to actually turn on the oven when it’s hot outside? This recipe has served me well through many phases of life and is a kind of summer comfort food for me…

I loved it as a kid when my mamaw made it.

My parents used to bring big batches in a cooler to all-day swim meets for my teammates and I to carb load between races.

Josh and I have been enjoying it as a quick and easy go-to for years.

…and the kids actually *sometimes like it.
*please note that one certain five year old has suddenly developed an aversion to most things resembling a vegetable and insisted all bell peppers be removed

I’ve given it a few upgrades and revisions over the years to make it a bit healthier (it still has Doritos, though - there is no replacement. Don’t come at me.), and I love it as a protein rich summer meal. I made it tonight so we can have it as a refreshing post-pool lunch the next couple of days.

Taco Mac Salad

1 box of rotini (I typically get the kind with the hidden veggies, but I’d imagine something like this Banza would be a good healthier option, too.)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. of lean ground turkey or beef
1 packet of taco seasoning (I like the Thrive Market brand or making my own)
1/2 c. water
1 8 oz. block of sharp cheddar, shredded
1 finely diced bell pepper (I prefer yellow or orange, but use whatever you like)
1 handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
Shredded lettuce
1 bag of Doritos (the old school Taco flavor are the best, but the Nacho Cheese or Spicy Nacho work, too)
Catalina dressing - you can buy the Kraft stuff (no judgement here), but I make it at home (see recipe below)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and brown ground meat of choice. Add packet of taco seasoning (or about 3 tbsp. if making your own) and water. Simmer until all water and seasoning has been absorbed.

In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta, ground meat, cheese, bell pepper, and about 1/2 cup of Catalina dressing. Put in the refrigerator to cool for at least one hour. Individually serve pasta salad on a bed of shredded lettuce topped with tomatoes, crushed Doritos, and more catalina dressing, and enjoy!

Better-Than-The-Store-Bought-Stuff Catalina Dressing

1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. red wine or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1 c. neutral oil (grapeseed, light olive oil, vegetable, etc.)
salt and pepper, to taste

Add all ingredients to a large mason jar, screw the lid on tight, and shake the daylights out of it. Alternately, put all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk. Refrigerate until ready to use.

I’m always looking for low effort, kid-friendly meals for the summer. What are some of your favorites?

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