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Taco Salad

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Taco salad combines the flavors of a classic taco with fresh salad ingredients, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey, or a vegetarian substitute) Use ground turkey or plant-based options as desired.
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Cayenne pepper, (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mild salsa
For the Salad
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained Can substitute with pinto beans.
  • 2 ears sweet corn, charred
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onions
  • 2 avocados, sliced or chopped
  • 1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese or sharp cheddar (or more to taste)
  • Tortilla Chips or Doritos, slightly crushed
For the Dressing
  • Cilantro Lime Dressing (made ahead of time, see instructions) Make ahead for the best flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by preparing the Cilantro Lime Dressing according to your preferred recipe. Allow it to chill for at least one hour to develop a full flavor.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into clumps as it cooks. Drain any excess grease when finished.
  3. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Then, add the salsa and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, thickening the mixture. If desired, spice it up with cayenne pepper to taste.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, start layering the chopped romaine lettuce and add your cooked beef mixture, cherry tomatoes, black beans, charred sweet corn, red onions, avocados, sunflower seeds, and cheese.
Serving
  1. Drizzle with your prepared Cilantro Lime Dressing and serve immediately along with your crushed tortilla chips or Doritos for an added crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5g

Notes

This taco salad is easily customizable. Consider pairing it with fresh lime wedges or crispy tortilla chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep salad components separate to avoid wilting.
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