The Best Taco Salad

Elevate your salad game with "The Best Taco Salad," a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to create. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe combines seasoned taco beef with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, hearty black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips—all drizzled with a zesty homemade lime dressing. Layered with shredded cheddar and optional garnishes like sour cream and salsa, this taco salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a healthy, customizable meal loaded with Tex-Mex flair. Whether you’re craving bold flavors or a lighter twist on classic tacos, this salad delivers every time!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 0.25 cup water
• 8 cups romaine lettuce
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1 avocado
• 0.25 cup cilantro (optional)
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups tortilla chips
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional)
• 0.5 cup salsa (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully coated with the seasoning and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

While the beef cooks, wash and chop the romaine lettuce and rinse the cherry tomatoes. Halve the tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 4

Rinse and drain the black beans. If using canned corn, drain it. If using fresh corn, cook it briefly in boiling water for 3 minutes and then drain.

Step 5

Dice the avocado and chop the cilantro if you are using it.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 7

To assemble the salad, place the chopped romaine in a large salad bowl or individual serving bowls.

Step 8

Top the lettuce with the seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced avocado.

Step 9

Drizzle the lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 10

Crumble the tortilla chips over the salad for a crunchy topping just before serving.

Step 11

If desired, add a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa for extra flavor. Garnish with cilantro if using.

Step 12

Serve immediately and enjoy your taco salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2195.8 grams (2195.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3196

Total Fat 222.00g	285%
Saturated Fat 80.20g	401%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20.40g
Cholesterol 482mg	161%
Sodium 7068mg	307%
Total Carbohydrate 180.20g	66%
Dietary Fiber 42.30g	151%
Total Sugars 33.90g
Protein 142.90g	286%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1430mg	110%
Iron 18mg	99%
Potassium 4181mg	89%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.7%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 21.9%