Craving a meal that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with a fresh, vibrant twist? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Taco Salad that's about to become your new obsession! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition and bursting with colors that'll make your Instagram followers drool. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you completely satisfied.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- For dressing: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 lime (juiced), salt
Instructions
- Prepare the ground meat by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the meat and return skillet to heat. Sprinkle taco seasoning packet over the meat, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- While meat is cooking, prepare the salad base by washing and chopping lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Spread chopped lettuce evenly across a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Rinse black beans and corn under cold water. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Halve cherry tomatoes and dice the avocado into small cubes.
- For the cilantro lime ranch dressing, combine Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the prepared ingredients over the lettuce: first spread the seasoned meat, then distribute black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
- Drizzle the cilantro lime ranch dressing just before serving. Serve immediately to maintain crisp lettuce and warm meat.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful meat, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure juiciness and rich taste. • Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat to keep your salad from becoming greasy. • Use fresh ingredients, especially for the cilantro and lime, to maximize the dressing's flavor profile. • If you want to make this dish lighter, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. • Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience. • For a vegetarian version, replace ground meat with seasoned plant-based crumbles or additional beans. • The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. • Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and the warmth of the meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
