Easy Taco Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 people as a side salad
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Calories
569 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Easy Taco Salad Recipe
Description
The recipe starts by browning lean ground beef, drained of excess fat, then simmered with taco seasoning and water to develop flavor and moisture. While the beef simmers, the salad components including crisp lettuce, creamy avocado slices, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, and shredded Mexican cheese are prepared. Tortilla chips or strips add a crunchy element.
Assembly involves layering the seasoned beef over chopped lettuce, adding the toppings, a dollop of sour cream or a tangy taco salad dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic powder, and finishing with fresh cilantro. Lime wedges and jalapeños provide optional acidity and heat.
This salad delivers a balance of savory, creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors with varied textures from crunchy to smooth. It can be served as a side salad or a main course depending on portion size, making it flexible for casual meals or light gatherings. The dressing can be prepared ahead and stored refrigerated.
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 lb ground beef 90/10, lean
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning or 1 packet*, plus 1/2 cup water
Ingredients for Taco Salad
- 1 iceberg lettuce medium head, chopped
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or Pico de Gallo
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend or to taste
- 1/2 cup tortilla chip or tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Taco Salad Dressing*
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- toppings, as desired: lime wedges, jalapenos, guacamole, salsa, olives
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your beef. When there is no pink left on the meat and the fat is released, spoon out all of the excess fat then add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool until it’s lightly warm or room temperature.
- Make the dressing* (if desired): In a small bowl or measuring cup, add the dressing ingredients and stir to combine. Refrigerate and let the flavors meld while you prepare your toppings. You can refrigerate the sauce for up to a week.
- Chop lettuce and place into serving bowls (serves 6 as a side salad or 4 as a main course). Divide ground beef between the bowls over the lettuce.
- Assemble and Serve: Add remaining toppings as desired, then garnish with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or drizzle with the taco salad dressing. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the salad.
Notes
- Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free if needed for dietary restrictions.
- For dressing, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and garlic powder; refrigerate to meld flavors.
- Optional taco salad shells are not included in nutrition calculations.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people as a side salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 569 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 569kcal | 28% |
| Carbs | 25g | |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 885mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 914mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1470IU | 29% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 187mg | 19% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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