Name: Taco Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 10 oz Romaine lettuce (chopped); 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes (halved); 1 large avocado (chopped); 1/2 cup green onions (chopped); 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped); 1 cup Mexican cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup salsa (any of your favorite); 1/3 cup sour cream

If you’re craving a dish that combines all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors with a fresh, crunchy twist, this Taco Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect balance of hearty, zesty ground beef seasoned to perfection, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, and a punch of fresh salsa and sour cream. Every bite bursts with texture and flavor, making it an ideal meal whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, so you can enjoy a satisfying and colorful meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side black pans on a white marbled surface. The left pan has raw ground meat in uneven clumps, with a mix of pink and red colors and a moist texture. The right pan contains cooked ground meat, broken into small pieces, with a browned, crumbly texture and a deeper brown color spread evenly across the pan bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Taco Salad Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Each component adds something special, from the savory seasoned beef to the fresh vegetables that brighten the whole ensemble.

1 lb ground beef (85% lean): The hearty protein base that makes this salad feel like a real meal without being too greasy.
2 tbsp taco seasoning: A blend of spices that brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef.
10 oz romaine lettuce (chopped): Crisp and refreshing, this adds a crunchy green foundation for the salad.
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes (halved): Sweet and juicy bursts that brighten every forkful.
1 large avocado (chopped): Creamy and rich, it balances the spice and adds healthy fats.
1/2 cup green onions (chopped): Mildly pungent and fresh, green onions give a satisfying bite without overpowering.
1 cup Mexican cheese (shredded): A melty, slightly tangy topping that complements both the beef and veggies.
1/2 cup salsa (any favorite): The perfect zesty drizzle that adds depth and a little kick to the salad.
1/3 cup sour cream: Creamy tang that mellows the spices and brings luscious texture.
1/4 cup cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every bite with a hint of citrus.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Taco Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Begin by warming a medium-sized pan over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This ensures it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Right near the end, sprinkle in the taco seasoning so the meat absorbs all those bold spices. Once done, cover it with a lid to keep all those flavors locked in and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Next, grab a large bowl and layer in your chopped romaine lettuce. This crisp green base provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth and richness of the beef and toppings.

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

Now comes the fun part: piling on the goodness. Add the seasoned beef over the lettuce, then scatter halved grape tomatoes, creamy cubes of avocado, and freshly chopped green onions. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese so it starts to melt slightly over the warm beef. Finally, top everything with dollops of salsa and sour cream, and finish with a generous handful of cilantro. This vibrant assembly is sure to make your taste buds dance.

How to Serve Taco Salad Recipe

A white bowl holds a simple dish with two layers. The bottom layer is made of fresh green lettuce leaves, bright and crisp, spread evenly all over the bowl. On top, there is a layer of cooked brown ground meat, finely crumbled and covering the lettuce in the center, creating a hearty contrast in color and texture. The bowl sits on a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your taco salad by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a few slices of jalapeño if you like heat, or even some crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible crunch. These simple touches personalize your salad and add extra layers of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

While this Taco Salad Recipe is substantial on its own, serving it alongside warm, soft tortillas or your favorite Mexican rice adds heartiness to your meal. A side of black beans or a light corn salad also pairs beautifully, balancing the bold flavors with mellow, comforting notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider serving the salad in a large, colorful Mexican ceramic bowl to highlight the vibrant ingredients. You can also make individual servings in mini tortilla bowls or crisped tostada shells for a fun, handheld twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover taco salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the salad components separate if possible, especially the salsa and sour cream toppings, to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

This Taco Salad Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because fresh ingredients like lettuce and avocado don’t fare well after thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked seasoned beef separately in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months and then prepare the rest fresh when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat the leftover seasoned beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Then assemble your taco salad fresh with crisp lettuce and cool, creamy toppings. This way, you preserve the contrast of textures and flavors that make this salad so delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Taco Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works wonderfully with the taco seasoning, giving you a lighter but still flavorful salad.

What type of salsa is best for this taco salad?

You can use any salsa you love, whether it’s mild, medium, spicy, or even a fruity one like mango salsa—the choice depends on your heat preference and flavor craving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Taco Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and double-check your salsa ingredients.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make a vegan version, swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or meatless crumbles and use vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives. The fresh veggies and herbs still make this salad a star.

How long does this taco salad stay fresh after assembling?

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad immediately after assembly. If needed, it can be stored for up to a few hours in the fridge, but the lettuce may start to wilt and the avocado could brown.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Salad Recipe is one of those go-to meals that feels like a festive celebration of flavors every time you make it. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to your taste. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want an easy, fresh, and delicious meal that truly hits the spot.