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Easy Taco Salad

Delicious Easy Taco Salad for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy a quick and vibrant Easy Taco Salad packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or Turkey) or swap for turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder adjust based on your spice preference
  • 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning blend of Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Salt
  • 1 cup Mild Salsa choose your favorite brand
  • 4 cups Romaine Lettuce or substitute with iceberg or mixed greens
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (or Roma) halved
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 small Red Onion or use green onions for a milder flavor
  • 2 each Avocados sliced right before serving
  • 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds optional
  • 1 cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese (or Cheddar) adjust according to taste
  • 2 cups Tortilla Chips or Doritos lightly crushed
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro fresh
  • 2 each Limes juiced
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 pinch Salt

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • blender
  • grill pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Taco Salad
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef or turkey for about 6–8 minutes until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning blend along with the mild salsa. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the flavors meld.
  2. While the meat is cooking, wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and rinse the black beans, draining all liquid. Set them aside for later assembly.
  3. In a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, add the sweet corn and char for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly caramelized. Once done, carefully cut the corn off the cob and set it aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a blender, combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, layer the salad with the cooked protein, followed by the beans, charred corn, tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Sprinkle cheese and diced avocados on top, then drizzle with the cilantro lime dressing.
  6. Just before serving, crush tortilla chips or Doritos over the top of the salad for that satisfying crunch. Toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, add tortilla chips just before serving to maintain their crunch. Keep dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.

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