Loaded Taco Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines fresh vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this salad is as delicious as it is colorful.
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or diced regular tomatoes)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the meat:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, salsa, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the salad:
In a large serving bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, cooked taco meat, tomatoes, black beans, diced red onion, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
Add diced avocado for extra creaminess, if desired.
Drizzle and serve:
Drizzle the salad with the prepared dressing and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with plant-based ground meat or additional black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Meal prep: Store the components separately to keep them fresh and assemble the salad just before serving.
Conclusion:
Loaded Taco Salad is a quick and easy dish packed with flavor and textures. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or feeding a hungry group, this customizable salad is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it as a main course or a festive side dish!