Go Back
+ servings
Easy Taco Salad

Easy Taco Salad: Fresh Flavors for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Easy Taco Salad is colorful, customizable, and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Salad
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with turkey or Morning Star Crumbles
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Adjust for spice preferences
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Essential in taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Provides a smoky undertone
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Aromatic seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Aromatic seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds herbal freshness
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste
For the Salad Base
  • 4 cups Romaine Lettuce Can swap with spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can use chopped Roma tomatoes
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse well to cut sodium levels
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn Can use fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 medium Red Onion Can omit for milder flavor
  • 2 Avocados Add before serving to avoid browning
For the Toppings
  • 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds Can swap for nuts if desired
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese or Sharp Cheddar Use plant-based cheese for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Tortilla Chips or Doritos Consider baked or low-carb options
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Adjust amount based on preference
  • 1 medium Lime Juice Zesty and refreshing
  • 1 clove Garlic Use fresh or powder based on convenience

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring to break it apart. Add in your taco seasonings and allow to cook until the beef is no longer pink, about another 5 minutes.
  2. While the beef cooks, prepare your fresh vegetables by chopping 4 cups of romaine lettuce, halving 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and rinsing 1 can of black beans.
  3. Grill or broil 1 cup of sweet corn until slightly charred, about 3-5 minutes. Cut the kernels off the cob after charring.
  4. In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, 1 clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large bowl, layer starting with the seasoned ground beef, followed by black beans, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Sprinkle cheese over the top and add sliced avocados.
  6. Sprinkle sunflower seeds and crushed tortilla chips over the salad and drizzle with the Homemade Cilantro Lime Dressing just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store components separately for meal prep. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days if dressing is kept separate.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!