Description
Spicy Mexican Taco Salad brings zesty flavors dancing across crisp greens and seasoned ground beef. Hearty ingredients blend into a quick dinner sensation you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) black beans, rinsed and drained
Vegetables and Toppings:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (75 grams) corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
- ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (if needed)
- 1 packet (28 grams) taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (25 grams) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Ignite a skillet over medium flame, introducing a touch of olive oil if the surface seems parched.
- Crumble ground beef into the heated pan, methodically breaking down the meat while it caramelizes to a rich brown hue.
- Eliminate excess fat from the beef, then infuse the meat with vibrant taco seasoning and a splash of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and absorb flavors for a few moments.
- Construct a colorful landscape in a spacious bowl, carefully arranging crisp romaine lettuce as the foundation.
- Scatter diced tomatoes, creating bright red patches across the verdant lettuce base.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese, allowing it to cascade over the salad’s surface.
- Introduce black beans and golden corn kernels, providing textural contrast and rustic charm.
- Slice creamy avocado into elegant segments, nestling them strategically throughout the salad.
- Disperse thin rings of red onion for a sharp, piquant accent.
- Crown the layered creation with the warmly seasoned taco meat.
- Just before serving, crush tortilla chips and rain them over the salad, imparting a satisfying crunch.
- Embellish with optional accompaniments like tangy sour cream, zesty salsa, or luxurious guacamole.
- Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s vibrant textures and temperatures.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
- Bake tortilla chips instead of using store-bought for a lower-calorie, less greasy crunch that enhances the salad’s nutritional profile.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal, storing components separately to maintain freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.
- Customize the salad for dietary needs by using gluten-free tortilla chips, dairy-free cheese alternatives, or adding extra vegetables for increased nutrient density.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg