Taco Salad

15m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
25m
Ready In

Recipe: #28500

October 27, 2017



"There are a number of recipes and variations when it comes to Taco Salad, this one has been our go-to for over twenty-five years. A great side and always a big hit at gatherings and potlucks also makes for a great salad meal. If you don’t happen to have the mild taco sauce on hand you may substitute by adding a package of taco seasoning mix to taste when browning the ground beef."

Original is 9 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (301.5 g)
  • Calories 522.1
  • Total Fat - 21.9 g
  • Saturated Fat - 6.5 g
  • Cholesterol - 66.3 mg
  • Sodium - 544.5 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 49.6 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 17.9 g
  • Sugars - 5.9 g
  • Protein - 34.3 g
  • Calcium - 260.7 mg
  • Iron - 7.8 mg
  • Vitamin C - 11.4 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.4 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

In skillet over medium heat brown meat with onions, for those wishing a more pronounced Taco flaour add 1-1 1/2 tablespoons dry Taco mix, drain excess fat and cool in medium bowl and refrigerate until ready to assemble

Step 2

In large bowl (a clear glass bowl makes for great eye appeal) tear lettuce into bite size pieces, to the lettuce add diced advocado, drained kidney beans and the grated cheese, mix well, at this point if I am not sure how many I will be serving I half the recipe into two serving bowls as if not used the chips become soggy, each bowl getting half the dresing

Step 3

Just before serving in small bowl mix Kraft Catalina dressing, Hellmans Mayonnaise and Taco sauce and add to meat mix

Step 4

Add the meat mix and dressing to salad bowl, mix lightly and top with crushed taco chips, some of my family prefer to have the crushed taco chips mixed into the salad

Step 5

One can add a bowl of Taco Chip on the side when serving

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • For a more pronounced taco flavor, use taco seasoning mix when browning the ground beef.
  • For a more flavorful salad, use a combination of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, pepper jack, and four cheese.

  • For the ground beef, substitute ground turkey for a healthier option. The benefit of this substitution is that it is lower in fat and cholesterol than ground beef, making it a healthier choice.
  • For the Catalina dressing, substitute a vinaigrette for a lighter option. The benefit of this substitution is that it is lower in calories and fat, making it a healthier choice.

Vegetarian Taco Salad To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and omit the taco seasoning mix. Use a plant-based mayonnaise and vegan cheese instead of the regular mayonnaise and cheddar cheese.



Mexican Rice: Mexican Rice is a great side dish for Taco Salad as it adds a flavorful and filling accompaniment. The rice is cooked in a tomato-based sauce, with garlic, onion, and cumin, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's a great way to add some extra flavor to the meal and make it more filling and satisfying.


Black Beans: Black Beans are a great accompaniment to Mexican Rice and Taco Salad. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they provide a delicious and filling addition to the meal. Black Beans also have a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients, making them a perfect complement to the Mexican Rice.




FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the taco sauce with something else?

A: Yes, you can substitute taco sauce with taco seasoning mix when browning the ground beef for a more pronounced Taco flavour.



Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can use ground turkey in place of ground beef for a leaner taco filling. Just make sure to cook the turkey thoroughly before adding it to your tacos.

3 Reviews

amafor3

We have always used the same recipe when making taco salad so had to give this one a try. Liked the addition of the beans and the dressing was very good. Did not add the avocado, used romaine lettuce and mexican blend shredded cheese. Also followed the chef's suggestions and used Doritos and about 1 cup of Hellmanns mayo. Will be making this taco salad again and maybe add a can of mild green chilies. Made and reviewed for the Billboard recipe tag game.

5.0

review by:
(7 Sep 2019)

dienia b

This was awesome I liked the different dressing

5.0

review by:
(3 Jun 2019)

ForeverMama

Fantastic! So yummy and I love how easy it was to put together. I bought some avocados especially for this salad and I was waiting for them to ripen, but my husband was begging me to make it, so didn't get to use them in the salad. But next time, and there will be a next time, avocados are going in there. In addition to regular lettuce, I also added some baby spinach and some black beans. LOVE the dressing and everything about this salad. So good. Thank you Gerry for sharing. Made it for Billboard tag.

5.0

review by:
(20 Nov 2017)

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Fun facts:

The term "taco salad" was first used in the late 1970s by the fast food chain Taco Bell. They created the dish to appeal to health-conscious customers.

Taco salads have been a favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, who has been seen enjoying them on a number of occasions.