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+ servings
Easy Taco Salad

Delicious Easy Taco Salad That's Quick and Customizable

Enjoy this Easy Taco Salad packed with flavors, perfect for quick meal prepping or customizable weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef or Protein
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Substitution: Use ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles.
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Essential for taco seasoning.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce Can swap with green leaf or iceberg.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Use fresh for best taste.
  • 0.5 cup red onions Soaking in water can mellow taste.
  • 1 cup sweet corn Substitution: Use canned or frozen corn if fresh is unavailable.
  • 2 medium avocados Add last to avoid browning.
For the Salad Components
  • 1 can black beans Rinse and drain.
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds Optional; can replace with pumpkin seeds.
  • 1 cup tortilla chips or Doritos For a low-carb option, use extra sunflower seeds.
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mild salsa Can substitute with hot salsa.
  • 1 lime juice Essential for that fresh taco flavor.
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • blender or food processor
  • mixing bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Taco Salad
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  3. Char 1 cup of fresh corn in the same skillet or on a grill for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce, halving 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and dicing half a red onion. Keep your avocado aside.
  5. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dressing by blending 0.5 cup of mild salsa, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, drained black beans, charred corn, chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, and diced red onion. Toss gently.
  7. Just before serving, add diced avocado and sprinkle sunflower seeds. Drizzle the dressing over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Store unassembled salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate until serving.

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