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how to make taco salad recipe

Taco Salad Recipe

When the sun is shining and the grill is sizzling, there’s nothing quite like a colorful and satisfying meal to kick your gathering into high gear. If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and versatile recipe that everyone will love, look no further than taco salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning mix you can use store-bought or make your own using 2 tablespoons of a homemade blend
  • 1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained (optional)
For the Salad
  • 6 cups chopped romaine or crisp iceberg lettuce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 avocado cubed
  • 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
  • ½ cup fresh salsa
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt a great replacement for sour cream
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Optional Toppings
  • Sliced olives
  • Bell peppers
  • Jalapeños
  • Finely chopped red onion

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • skillet

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking. As it browns, mix in the smoked paprika and taco seasoning. If you’re using black beans, add them to the skillet once the beef is fully cooked. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
  1. While the beef is cooking, wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and any other veggies you’d like to add. Ensure everything is bite-sized for easy assembly. I love adding fresh cilantro for an extra punch of flavor, but feel free to customize.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, start layering your ingredients. Begin with a bed of lettuce as your base. Next, top it with the seasoned beef mixture, followed by diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, and shredded cheese. Finally, finish it off with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 28gFat: 25g

Notes

  • Meal Prep: Make the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with grilled veggies, lentils, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
  • Flavor Boost: Add lime juice over your veggies before assembling for a zesty kick.
  • Heat it Up: If you love spice, consider adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Leftover Storage: Keep dressing separate from the salad for best results and freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!