Taco Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
480 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Taco Salad
Description
The salad is constructed by first preparing a bright and herbaceous cilantro vinaigrette blended from fresh cilantro leaves, shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, seasoned with salt. Ground turkey or chicken is cooked with diced onions, garlic, and taco seasoning, then simmered briefly with water for depth.
Fresh romaine lettuce is thinly shredded and layered in a large bowl with cherry tomatoes, corn cut off the cob, black beans, diced avocado, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and cilantro leaves. The cooked meat is added last and then the salad is tossed with vinaigrette to evenly coat the ingredients for a fresh, protein-rich meal.
Alternatively, serving with ranch dressing can appeal to children or those preferring a milder flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Vinaigrette:
- 1 shallot roughly chopped
- 2 cups cilantro leaves stems removed (about 4 ounces, tightly packed, fresh
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Meat:
- ½ pound ground turkey or chicken
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced, small
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce thinly shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved or quartered
- ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
- 2 corn shucked and corn sliced off the cob, ears
- 2 avocado diced
- 3 green onions sliced
- cilantro leaves
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
Instructions
For the Cilantro Vinaigrette
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend for 2 minutes until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed and set aside.
For the Meat
- Place a medium skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more. Add the ground chicken or turkey and continue to cook for 6-7 minutes until fully cooked. Add the taco seasoning and the water and reduce heat to low. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes while you assemble the salad.
For the Salad
- If you’re layering this in one large serving bowl, layer half of the lettuce on the bottom followed by half of all the other toppings. Add the next layer of lettuce on top and finish with the remaining toppings. Top with the meat and toss together with a few tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Add more as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- The cilantro vinaigrette adds a fresh herbaceous flavor with a mild spicy kick.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lean protein option.
- Layering all ingredients before tossing helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Substitute ranch dressing for a milder taste that can be more kid-friendly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 480kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 540mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 1293mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 13g | 52% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 19065IU | 381% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 174mg | 17% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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