Traditional Taco Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Traditional Taco Salad is your next go-to for a satisfying and vibrant meal that hits all the right notes. It's loaded with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and crunchy tortilla chips, making it perfect for a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Traditional Taco Salad

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this salad, providing a rich and savory foundation. Taco seasoning is key for infusing the beef with that classic Mexican flavor profile. Water helps blend the seasoning evenly throughout the meat. Romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while diced tomatoes bring juiciness and a touch of acidity. Shredded cheddar cheese offers a creamy, tangy contrast, and sliced black olives add a briny depth. Sour cream and salsa provide a creamy, spicy topping duo. Avocado introduces a buttery texture, and crushed tortilla chips deliver the perfect crunch. Finally, olive oil, salt, and black pepper are used to cook and season the beef to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a lighter version, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
  • Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef after browning, especially if using a higher-fat variety.
  • If you want to add heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • To keep avocados from browning, toss them with a little lime juice before adding to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This taco salad pairs beautifully with a side of warm, freshly made corn tortillas or a bowl of Mexican-style rice. For a refreshing drink, try serving it with a chilled glass of horchata or a light, citrusy margarita.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time, but it's best to combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container, the salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tortilla chips separate to maintain their crunch.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend would work well in this salad.

Traditional Taco Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add in the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through; this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir everything together, then pour in the water. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will create a flavorful sauce that clings to the beef.

While the beef cooks, you can prep the salad. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and diced avocado. Toss them gently to combine.

Once the beef is ready, add it to your bowl of salad ingredients. Toss everything together until all the components are well mixed and the beef is evenly distributed.

To serve, sprinkle the salad with crushed tortilla chips. Serve sour cream and salsa on the side, so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Packed with flavor and textures — crunchy, creamy, and savory.
  • Perfect for customizing — easily adapt ingredients to taste.
  • Great for meal prep — stays fresh and delicious in the fridge.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup water
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced black olives
1 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa
1 avocado, diced
1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and diced avocado.
5. Add cooked beef to the salad mixture and toss until well mixed.
6. Top with crushed tortilla chips, and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

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