Introduction
This hearty and refreshing taco salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with flavors and textures, it combines lean ground beef seasoned with taco spices, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips. Plus, the addition of a zesty salsa ranch dressing ties all the elements together beautifully. Get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Juice of 1 lime
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Optional: 1 cup cooked rice (Spanish or cilantro lime)
½ cup salsa (pico de gallo or preferred type)
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup ranch dressing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and tomato paste; stir to combine. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
2. Make the Salsa Ranch Dressing:
In a bowl, mix together the salsa, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and ranch dressing until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced red onion. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and shredded cheese. If using, add the cooked rice. Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve:
Divide the salad into serving bowls. Top each serving with crushed tortilla chips. Drizzle the salsa ranch dressing over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and tomato paste; stir to combine. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Make the Salsa Ranch Dressing:
In a bowl, mix together the salsa, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and ranch dressing until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced red onion. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and shredded cheese. If using, add the cooked rice. Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve:
Divide the salad into serving bowls. Top each serving with crushed tortilla chips. Drizzle the salsa ranch dressing over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions:
You can use ground turkey or chicken as healthier alternatives to ground beef. Black beans can be added for increased fiber.
Storage:
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the tortilla chips separate until serving to maintain their crunch.
Customization:
Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, olives, or corn as per your preference. Adjust the level of spiciness in the salsa ranch dressing to suit your taste.
Serving Size:
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
Cook Techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is evenly browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
Seasoning the Beef
After browning the beef, add the taco seasoning and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly and allow it to simmer until the mixture thickens for a rich flavor.
Making Salsa Ranch Dressing
In a bowl, combine salsa, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well blended for a creamy dressing.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced red onion. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and shredded cheese. This creates a balanced salad.
Drizzling Lime Juice
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the assembled salad. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor and enhances the overall taste.
Serving the Salad
Divide the salad into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips and drizzle with the salsa ranch dressing just before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Can I make this salad in advance?
While the components can be prepared ahead of time, it is best to assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crispy.
What other toppings can I add to this salad?
You can include additional toppings like jalapeños, black olives, or corn for more flavor and texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make the salad gluten-free, ensure that the taco seasoning and tortilla chips you use are labeled gluten-free.
Can I customize the dressing?
Certainly! Feel free to adjust the proportions of salsa, sour cream, and ranch dressing to suit your taste, or substitute with your favorite dressing.
Conclusion
This delicious taco salad combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables and the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef, all topped with a zesty salsa ranch dressing. It’s a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and fun, making it perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes as you savor each bite!
Mexican Rice Bowl
Transform your salad into a rice bowl by serving it over a bed of Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice for added flavor.
Taco-Stuffed Avocados
Use the same filling and scoop it into halved avocados for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that highlights the fresh ingredients.
Layered Taco Dip
Create a layered dip by layering the ground beef mixture, cheese, salsa ranch dressing, and toppings in a dish for sharing with tortilla chips.
Veggie Taco Salad
For a meatless option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or grilled vegetables, maintaining all the fresh toppings for a hearty salad.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Replace the ground beef with shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy twist, complementing it with creamy dressing for a tangy flavor explosion.
Taco Lettuce Wraps
Skip the salad altogether and use large lettuce leaves as wraps, filling them with the beef mixture and toppings for a fun finger food option.
