Taco Salad: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

Elevate your salad game with this delicious Taco Salad! Packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy taco dressing, this salad offers a satisfying crunch and zesty flavor. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, and it’s easy to customize to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a tasty, nutritious meal, this taco salad has you covered.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (1 oz)
• 1 head of lettuce, chopped (romaine or iceberg)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Tortilla chips (crushed, for topping)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix (from the packet or homemade)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning mix and a little water (as per package instructions) to the beef. Stir and cook for a few more minutes until well combined and heated through. Set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, red onion, and avocado.

Make the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning mix, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Add the cooked ground beef to the large bowl with the salad ingredients.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Top and Serve:

1. Just before serving, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
2. Garnish with additional sliced black olives if desired.

Enjoy!

• Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Taco Salad as a perfect meal for lunch or dinner!

Notes

• Feel free to add other toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or your favorite salsa for extra flavor.
• This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing and tortilla chips separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.