Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Taco Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and a creamy lime dressing, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with a Mexican-American flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup salsa
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If needed, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large serving bowl or individual bowls, spread a layer of 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce.
- Layer Ingredients: Add the cooked taco meat, then top with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1 cup corn, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 diced avocado, and ½ cup sliced black olives if using.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips or corn chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ½ cup salsa, and juice of 1 lime until smooth and creamy.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the assembled salad just before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings like pickled jalapeños, green onions, or hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for the ground beef.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve with extra lime wedges for added zest.
