The Best Taco Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the bold and savory flavors of Mexican cuisine in a fresh and satisfying salad. Here’s a description of this classic favorite:
Other protein options may include grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
**Crunchy Toppings:** To add an extra layer of texture and flavor, the taco salad is often topped with crunchy elements such as crispy tortilla strips or corn chips. These toppings not only provide a satisfying crunch but also mimic the taste and texture of traditional taco shells.
**Cheesy Goodness:** No taco salad is complete without a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese, typically cheddar or Mexican blend, adding creamy richness and gooey goodness to each bite. The cheese melts slightly against the warm seasoned meat, creating a deliciously cheesy experience.
**Customizable:** One of the best things about the Best Taco Salad is its versatility and adaptability. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs by adding or omitting ingredients as desired. For example, you can incorporate black beans, corn, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
**Serving Options:** The Best Taco Salad can be served in a variety of ways, from individual bowls or plates to family-style platters for sharing. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings, as it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
**Satisfying and Delicious:** With its combination of fresh veggies, savory proteins, crunchy toppings, and zesty dressing, the Best Taco Salad is a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s a wholesome and hearty dish that celebrates the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in every bite.
In summary, the Best Taco Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of fresh ingredients, savory proteins, crunchy toppings, and zesty dressing to create a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or party appetizer, this classic favorite never fails to impress with its bold and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 1 small can green chilies, undrained
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves removed (all other lettuces will wilt)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or a mixture of cumin, chili powder and garlic powder)
- 1 cup ranch sour cream mayonnaise, divided (recipe below)
- 1 (15 oz.) can of your favorite beans, rinsed and drained very well
- 1/2 can (about 7 oz.) sweet corn, drained very well
- 1/2 cup chopped purple or green onion + more for top
- 8 oz. of your favorite tomato salsa
- 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (3.8 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained very well
- 1/2 lb. bacon, fried until crispy, cooled completely, and crumbled
- 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
- 1 Roma tomato, seeds removed, chopped
- ripe avocado chunks, (optional)
- tortilla chips for topping
Instructions:
1: Cook the ground beef, canned chilies and taco seasoning in a skillet until beef is brown all the way through and the liquid from the chilies has evaporated.
2: Place in refrigerator and allow to chill until completely cold. Then, place in an even layer on the bottom of a 9×13 glass cake pan. Top with a double layer of crisp, iceberg lettuce leaves (half the head), 1/2 cup of the ranch sour cream mayonnaise smoothed into an even layer, beans, corn, onion, another double layer of lettuce (press down gently after placing the lettuce,) the other 1/2 cup of ranch sour cream mayo, salsa, cheese, olives, bacon, jalapenos, tomato and a little more purple onion. Step3: Place cover or foil on cake pan and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours before slicing into pieces, crunching tortilla chips over the top, and serving. Feel free to top this with avocado chunks, extra tomato chunks, and your favorite hot sauce too!
for the ranch sour cream mayonnaise:
3/4 cup real mayonnaise
1/4 cup full fat sour cream
6 Tablespoons dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix (homemade or Hidden Valley).