Description
This Easy Taco Salad Recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh chopped lettuce, creamy avocado, and classic Mexican toppings, it combines convenience with vibrant texture and taste. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing salad served as a main dish or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 packet plus 1/2 cup water)
Salad Base and Toppings
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or Pico de Gallo)
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips or chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or taco salad dressing)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Lime wedges
- Jalapenos
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Olives
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains and fat is released. Spoon out excess fat. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, then cook while stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool to lightly warm or room temperature.
- Make the Dressing (Optional): In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine ingredients for the taco salad dressing (if desired). Stir well and refrigerate to let the flavors meld while preparing toppings. This dressing can be stored refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prepare the Salad Base: Chop the iceberg lettuce and divide into serving bowls (serves 6 as a side salad or 4 as a main course). Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the lettuce.
- Assemble and Serve: Add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes or Pico de Gallo, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips or chips, and cilantro over the beef and lettuce. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of taco salad dressing. Garnish with optional toppings such as lime wedges, jalapenos, guacamole, salsa, and olives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Taco seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust salt levels accordingly.
- Chilling the dressing before serving enhances the flavor.
- Customize toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Taco Salad, Ground Beef Salad, Mexican Salad, Easy Taco Recipe, Quick Dinner, Healthy Taco Salad
