Taco Salad Recipe
Learn how to create a delicious take on this lunch Taco salad recipe favorite
Calories: 800kcal
Ingredients
- Steak
- Taco seasoning
- Iceberg lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Onions
- Cheddar cheese
- Avocado
- Black olives
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add in your favorite taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the water has evaporated, and the beef is warm and flavorful.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare your salad ingredients. Start with a bed of crisp lettuce cut into bite-sized pieces. Romaine lettuce offers a sturdy base for all of the salad’s toppings, but you can use whatever type of lettuce you have on hand. Iceberg, butter lettuce, and mesclun mix will all work well.Next, add in your favorite toppings. Some great options include diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, and corn. Be sure to rinse and drain any canned ingredients before adding them to your salad.
- To assemble your taco salad, start by adding the warm ground beef and bean mixture on top of the lettuce. Then, add your favorite toppings on top of the beef. Finally, add a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil to finish it off.
- For an extra crunch, you can also top your taco salad with some crispy fried tortilla strips. To make them, brush corn tortillas with olive oil, season with salt, then cut into wedges and bake on a greased cookie sheet for about 10-15 minutes until lightly golden brown, turning once halfway through.
Notes
Spices for Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is a blend of spices that is used to flavor Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. It is a crucial element in making a delicious taco salad. The right combination of spices can make all the difference in the taste of your taco salad. Here are some of the most common spices used in taco seasoning:- Chili powder: Chili powder is a blend of different types of dried chilies, and it is the primary ingredient in most taco seasoning recipes. It adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to your taco salad.
- Cumin: Cumin is another essential spice in taco seasoning. It has a warm, earthy flavor and adds a distinct taste to your taco salad.
- Garlic: Garlic is a common ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and it adds a pungent and savory flavor to your taco salad.
- Paprika: Paprika is a mild spice that adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your taco salad. It also gives the dish a vibrant red color.
- Cayenne: Cayenne pepper is a hot spice that adds a spicy kick to your taco salad. Use it sparingly if you don’t want your taco salad to be too spicy.