Print

Easy Taco Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Easy Taco Salad is a quick and flavorful meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, crunchy tortilla chips, and your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to customize!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Taco Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
  • 1/4 cup water

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, lightly crushed

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the Taco Meat:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If the pan is dry, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the meat is evenly coated and the liquid reduces slightly. Remove from heat.

2. Assemble the Salad:

  1. In a large salad bowl or on individual plates, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, avocado, and red onion.
  2. Top with the warm taco meat.

3. Add Crunch and Serve:

  1. Sprinkle tortilla chips over the salad just before serving for added crunch.
  2. Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken and opt for reduced-fat cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the taco meat with seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu.
  • Storage: Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce and chips crisp.