My Classic Taco Salad Recipe is a simple and easy Mexican-style dinner That I made with ground beef, beans, cheese, and a lot of vegetables in less than 20 minutes. It is absolutely perfect for lunch or dinner!
Taco Salad Recipe
I really love this salad because it is a whole meal itself; I don't have to make any sides with it. Also, this salad can't get easier; all you need to do is cook the beef, make the dressing and then toss everything together in one bowl.
It's fresh, absolutely delicious, and a staple in our weeknight dinners—I've made it like a thousand times! 😁.
The dressing of this salad is super creamy and made with only 3 ingredients; it is SO delicious. I also have other taco salad topping recipes such as Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing or Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing.
Why Does This Recipe Work?
- Perfect salad for people with low carb diet.
- This ground beef taco salad is an easy dinner idea that is suitable for the whole family.
- It can be prepared ahead of time, and it so delicious it can served to a crowd.
- This beef taco salad also is customizable, and can be made vegetarian if you just ditch the ground beef.
Taco Salad Ingredients
To cook the beef
- Ground beef: I used extra lean ground beef, you can also use ground chicken instead.
- Oil: I use olive oil but vegetable oil works just fine.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is an amazing flavor to the beef.
- Taco seasoning: I used homemade taco seasoning, keep reading to know how to make your own Taco seasoning.
To make the salad
- Red kidney beans (Canned): You may use black beans or pinto beans instead.
- Sweetcorn: I used canned sweetcorn; make sure to drain it well.
- Green onions: You may use red onion instead.
- Cheddar cheese: I prefer mature cheddar cheese but you may use Monterey jack or Feta cheese instead.
- Vegetables: I used avocado, cherry tomatoes, beetroots and lettuce.
For the dressing
Sour cream: I highly recommend using sour cream; It adds a light texture to the Mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise: It makes your dish creamy and delicious.
Lemon juice: Or use fresh lime juice.
“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”
How to Make Classic Taco Salad
First Step - Cooke The Meat: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add the minced beef, minced garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes).
Second Step - Make The Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, and taco seasoning.
Third Step - Assemble The salad: In a large bowl, combine avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, beetroots, kidney beans, sweetcorn, cheddar cheese, and the cooked ground beef. Top it with the dressing and serve.
How To Make Taco Seasoning?
To make homemade taco seasoning combine the following ingredients:
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chilli flacks
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Some other seasonings you can use are Salad Seasoning Mix, Fish Taco Seasoning or Mediterranean Spice Mix.
Variations & Substitutions
- You can replace sour cream with plain yoghurt and you will get the same result.
- You can add more veggies to this dish: such as bell peppers, cucumbers, parsley, or radishes.
- Also, you can add some tortilla chips or Doritos to this dish.
- Make this dish fruity by adding some fruits such as peaches, apples, or mangos. You can also add nuts if you like.
- To add some heat to this classic recipe, add chili powder or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
How To Serve
Serve this dish as is; it is already a full meal. However, if you like to serve it with a side dish, try Crispy Chicken Patties, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs (Bone In) or Chinese Chilli Beef.
Or serve with only a drink such as Thyme Tea, Oat Milk Hot Chocolate or Iced White Chocolate Mocha.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. Prepare all the ingredients and keep them in separate containers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Assemble the salad 10-20 minutes before serving.
No, this dish is best eaten fresh.
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Macaroni salad with vegetables
- Mediterranean eggplant salad
- Creamy tuna pasta salad
- Easy potato salad recipe
Thank you for checking out my recipe! Follow Healthy Life Trainer on Pinterest, and Instagram!
Recipe Card
Classic Taco Salad Recipe (Mexican)
Equipment
Ingredients
The beef
- 500 g ground beef , extra lean
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
The salad
- 1 can kidney beans , drained
- 1 can sweetcorn , drained
- 6 green onions , chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese , grated
- 2 avocado , chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes , cut into halves
- 4 beetroots , sliced
- 1 lettuce , chopped
The dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ tablespoon taco seasonings , homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Cooke The Beef Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat then add the ground beef, minced garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes).500 g ground beef, 2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon taco seasoning, 2 cloves garlic
- Make The Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, and taco seasoning.1 cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon olive oil, ¾ tablespoon taco seasonings
- Assemble The Salad: In a big salad bowl, combine avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, beetroots, kidney beans, sweetcorn, cheddar cheese, and the cooked ground beef.1 can kidney beans, 1 can sweetcorn, 6 green onions, 2 avocado, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 4 beetroots, 1 lettuce, 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Serve: Top it with the dressing and serve.
Pam says
A healthy dish for lunch or dinner. Thanks!