5.0 from 171 votes
Easy Taco Salad Recipe
A taco salad is a deconstructed taco served in a bowl. If you want to re-create a Mexican restaurant experience, serve this salad in a crispy Tortilla Taco Salad Shell for a fun twist. If you're making the Crispy Tortilla Bowls, make them first. While they bake and cool, proceed with the recipe.
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 people as a side salad
Calories: 569 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10
- 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 strips or chips
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- *Nutrition label does not include the optional tortilla taco salad shells. *For gluten-free, make sure the taco seasoning is marked GF.
- *Ingredients for Taco Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Nutrition Information
Calories
569kcal
(28%)
Carbs
25g
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
41g
(63%)
Saturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
10g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
105mg
(35%)
Sodium
885mg
(37%)
Potassium
914mg
(26%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
1470IU
(29%)
Vitamin C
21mg
(23%)
Calcium
187mg
(19%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4people as a side salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 569
% 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.