Description
This classic Taco Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines crunchy textures, bold seasonings, and fresh ingredients. Inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, it features seasoned ground beef or chicken, crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with a zesty dressing. Easy to customize, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. Plus, it can be made low-carb, vegetarian, or keto-friendly with simple swaps.
Ingredients
Scale
Base & Greens
- 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped – adds freshness and crunch
- 1 cup diced tomatoes – brings a juicy, tangy element
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – provides richness
- 1 avocado, diced – adds creaminess and healthy fats
- ½ cup diced red onions – introduces mild sharpness
Protein & Crunch
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey – key protein component
- 1 packet taco seasoning – infuses bold Tex-Mex flavors
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed – adds fiber and plant-based protein
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) – offers sweetness and texture
- ½ cup sliced black olives – enhances the dish with a salty, briny taste
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips – provides the signature crunch
Toppings & Garnishes
- ½ cup salsa – a flavorful, low-calorie dressing
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – adds a creamy, cooling contrast
- Fresh cilantro for garnish – brightens up the dish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, toss together chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, black beans, corn, olives, and red onions.
- Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
-
Add the Meat and Toppings
- Spoon the cooked taco meat over the salad.
- Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with salsa and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
-
Garnish and Serve
- Finish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Low-Carb: Skip the tortilla chips and use cheese crisps or nuts.
- For Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 1 Cup Serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Taco salad, healthy taco salad, easy Tex-Mex salad, taco bowl recipe, meal prep taco salad