Go Back
Here is the list of ingredients you will need for a tasty loaded taco salad: - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend) - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, juiced - Tortilla chips for crunch - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring bright colors and great flavors to the salad. Ground turkey or beef adds protein. Taco seasoning gives it that classic taco taste. Black beans and corn add fiber and sweetness. Romaine lettuce serves as a crisp base, while cherry tomatoes and avocado add freshness. Shredded cheese creates creaminess and richness. Sour cream or Greek yogurt as dressing gives a tangy kick. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of flavor, and lime juice brightens every bite. Finally, tortilla chips give a satisfying crunch. With this mix of ingredients, you will create a salad that is both delightful and nutritious! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook it until it turns brown. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it's brown, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Next, open your taco seasoning packet. Add it to the meat along with about 2/3 cup of water. Stir the mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend. Set the meat aside when done. In a large bowl, chop 1 head of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Add 1 can of black beans that you drained and rinsed. Then, add 1 cup of corn kernels. You can use fresh or frozen corn. Next, cut 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl. Finally, dice 1 avocado and toss it in. This mix makes a colorful and tasty salad base. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Take the seasoned meat and add it to the salad base. Gently mix it in so everything combines. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. You can choose cheddar or a Mexican blend for extra flavor. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with the juice of 1 lime. Season this mix with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Serve immediately, and enjoy! To spice up your Loaded Taco Salad, adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like it hot, add some chili powder or diced jalapeños. For milder flavors, use less seasoning or opt for a mild taco mix. You can enhance flavors by adding fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro. When serving, use large salad bowls to show off the colorful layers. Top each serving with extra avocado slices for creaminess. A sprinkle of tortilla chips adds a nice crunch. Consider adding a lime wedge on the side for a zesty touch. You can prep many ingredients in advance. Chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, and store them in airtight containers. Cook the meat and season it beforehand, then keep it in the fridge. For the best taste, store the dressing separately to keep everything fresh and crisp. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground turkey to reduce fat content while still enjoying a hearty flavor in your salad. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables for the best taste and texture. Fresh cilantro and ripe avocados can elevate the flavor profile. Spice It Up: Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat that complements the salad. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the meat and chop the veggies in advance for a quick assembly when ready to serve. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner! {{image_2}} You can easily change the meat in your taco salad. Shredded chicken or turkey works great. Both options add lean protein and flavor. If you want to skip meat, try grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions pair well with taco spices. They give your salad a tasty, smoky flavor. The right dressing can elevate your taco salad. You can make a simple vinaigrette. Mix olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of lime juice. This adds a fresh touch. For toppings, think beyond the usual. Olives and jalapeños add extra zest. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro for flavor. Taco salad makes a perfect main dish. It is filling and packed with nutrients. Serve it as is or with sides. Guacamole brings creaminess and richness. Salsa adds a nice kick. Both sides complement the salad well. Enjoy this delicious, nutritious meal any day! To keep your loaded taco salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This way, it won’t dry out or pick up smells from your fridge. It’s best to separate the components. Keep the salad base and meat apart from the toppings. This helps all the flavors stay fresh and tasty. In the fridge, your loaded taco salad lasts about 3 to 4 days. After that, the ingredients may spoil. Check for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or slimy texture on the veggies. If anything looks off, it's best to toss it out. When warming up the meat, do it gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short intervals until hot. If you try to reheat the whole salad, be careful. Fresh greens don’t warm well, and you might lose their crunch. It's best to serve the salad cold or at room temperature. If you want a meatless taco salad, try these options: - Use black beans or chickpeas for protein. - Try lentils for a hearty texture. - Use quinoa for a grain-based salad. - Crumble tofu or tempeh for a plant-based choice. These alternatives still give you great flavor and texture. You can season them like you would ground meat. Mix in taco seasoning to keep the taste familiar. Yes, you can make parts of this recipe ahead. Here are some tips: - Cook the meat and let it cool. Store in the fridge for up to three days. - Chop the veggies and keep them in a sealed container. They stay fresh for a day. - Prepare the dressing and store it separately. Assemble everything just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. To boost protein, consider these ideas: - Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans. - Mix in cooked chicken or turkey. - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the dressing. - Sprinkle nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch. These options make your salad filling and nutritious. Enjoy your loaded taco salad with even more protein! This blog post covers a tasty taco salad recipe packed with flavors and textures. We shared ingredient lists, step-by-step cooking, tips for seasoning, and storage advice. You can play with meat options and dressings, tailoring the salad to your taste. Enjoy making this fresh dish for yourself or loved ones. This salad offers a fun mix of flavors and can be a healthy meal choice. Happy cooking!

Loaded Taco Salad

A delicious and hearty salad loaded with seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 whole lime, juiced
  • to taste tortilla chips for crunch
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the taco seasoning and follow the package instructions, usually adding about 2/3 cup of water. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
  • Once the meat is cooked and seasoned, add it to the bowl of vegetables.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the salad mixture.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of tortilla chips for added crunch.

Notes

Serve in large salad bowls, topping each portion with extra avocado slices and a few whole tortilla chips for crunch. Consider a lime wedge on the side for added zest!
Keyword easy, healthy, loaded, salad, taco