Description
Zesty Mexican-inspired taco salad celebrates bold flavors with crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and tangy Catalina dressing. Crunchy tortilla chips and fresh toppings create a delightful meal that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Salad Components:
- 1 head romaine lettuce (about 6–8 cups), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
Additional Liquid:
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Sizzle the ground protein in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling and stirring until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Infuse the cooked meat with a vibrant blend of southwestern spices, thoroughly coating each morsel with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer crisp lettuce as the foundational base of your salad, creating a verdant bed for the seasoned meat.
- Scatter crunchy tortilla chips across the lettuce, providing a textural contrast and authentic taco-inspired crunch.
- Distribute the warm, spice-laden meat evenly over the lettuce and chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual meat warmth.
- Enhance the salad with diced tomatoes, offering a fresh and juicy element.
- Add sliced black olives for a briny, rich undertone.
- Drizzle Catalina dressing across the entire salad, ensuring a vibrant, tangy coating that ties all elements together.
- Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a final burst of freshness and color.
- Serve immediately to maintain the chips’ crispness and enjoy the layered flavors of this deconstructed taco experience.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the meat to reduce calories and prevent a greasy texture in your salad.
- Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting the amounts of chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference or dietary needs.
- Consider preparing the seasoned meat in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for quick meal prep during busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg