Taco Salad
Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, Taco Salad is a perfect combination of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and creamy dressing. This easy-to-make dish brings all the bold flavors of tacos into a hearty salad that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
For the Dressing (Optional):
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Cook the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Prepare the dressing (optional):
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, salsa, and lime juice until smooth.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce as the base.
- Top with cooked beef, tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheese, red onion, and avocado.
Add crunch:
- Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top.
Serve:
- Drizzle with dressing or serve it on the side. Toss just before serving.
Notes
- Make it lighter: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or grilled chicken.
- Meal prep tip: Keep ingredients separate and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
- Extra toppings: Add jalapeños, olives, or cilantro for more flavor.
- Low-carb option: Skip tortilla chips or use a low-carb alternative.