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Easy Taco Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 182 reviews

This Easy Taco Salad is a flavorful and fresh dish combining seasoned lean ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black beans, charred corn, creamy avocados, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed with a tangy Cilantro Lime Dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it offers a customizable and healthy option that can be made vegetarian or with ground turkey, served with tortilla chips for added crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

BEEF

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (substitute ground turkey or Morning Star Crumbles for vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Cayenne pepper to taste (optional, about 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup mild salsa

SALAD

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 ears sweet corn (charred as desired)
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onions
  • 2 avocados, sliced or chopped
  • 1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese or sharp cheddar (or more to taste)
  • Tortilla chips or Doritos, slightly crushed to taste

DRESSING

  • 1 recipe Cilantro Lime Dressing (prepare separately and chill at least one hour)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dressing: Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing according to its recipe, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
  3. Season Beef: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well, then add the 1/2 cup salsa. Simmer the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and is heated through. Add cayenne pepper to taste if you like a bit of heat.
  4. Char Corn: Optionally, char the corn either on a grill by brushing with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and rotating every few minutes until all sides are lightly charred, or sauté corn kernels in a hot cast iron skillet with olive oil until charred, about 5 minutes.
  5. Assemble Salad: Place chopped lettuce in a large bowl or individual bowls. Layer on the cooked beef, black beans, charred corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onions, avocados, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with the chilled Cilantro Lime Dressing or toss with desired amount. Add tortilla chips just before serving to preserve crunch.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately for best texture. Alternatively, set up a taco salad bar with ingredients in separate bowls for guests to assemble their own.

Notes

  • How to Char Corn: Grill with olive oil and salt/pepper for 10-12 minutes rotating on high heat, or sauté kernels in a hot cast iron skillet for 5 minutes.
  • Serving Tips: Add chips just before serving to keep them crunchy. For leftovers, keep avocado and chips separate and add when ready to eat.
  • Make Ahead: Layer salad ingredients in order (beef, beans/corn, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese) and refrigerate. Keep dressing, avocado, and chips separate until serving.
  • Healthy Options: Use Greek yogurt dressing, lean ground turkey or meat alternatives, reduce cheese amount, or replace some beef with beans or veggies.
  • Turkey Taco Salad Variation: Use 1 pound ground turkey with seasonings, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 cup salsa plus 2 tablespoons water simmered until cooked through.
  • Tortilla Bowls: Bake tortillas inside sprayed oven-safe bowls at 375°F for 15 minutes, then broil both sides until golden for a fun serving option.
  • Storage: Salad lasts about 3 days refrigerated; remove avocado if mixed to prevent discoloration; store chips airtight separately.

Keywords: taco salad, easy taco salad, ground beef salad, Mexican salad, healthy taco salad, ground turkey taco salad, Cilantro Lime Dressing, charred corn, avocado salad

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/easy-taco-salad-recipe/