Taco salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the elements of a taco with fresh salad ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious taco salad:Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade seasoning)
- 1 head of lettuce, chopped (iceberg or Romaine work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings (Optional):
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned.
- Drain excess fat and add the taco seasoning, following the package instructions. If using homemade seasoning, add about 2-3 tablespoons along with water as needed.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Taco Salad:
- Add the seasoned ground meat to the salad bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Toss and Serve:
- Toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing and the seasoned ground meat is evenly distributed.
- Top and Garnish:
- Optionally, top the salad with salsa, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the taco salad immediately, offering additional toppings on the side for individuals to customize their salads.
This taco salad is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients and toppings based on your preferences. It’s great for a quick and satisfying meal, and you can also prepare it in advance for a convenient and delicious lunch option.
