Are you tired of bland, boring salads that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your mealtime with this mouthwatering Gluten Free Taco Salad that combines all the bold flavors of your favorite Mexican dish without the gluten! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's not only delicious but also packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and irresistible toppings that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Gluten-free tortilla chips
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the avocado. Set these aside in separate bowls.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked through. Ensure there are no pink spots remaining.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir to combine. Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to help the seasoning blend in, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meat is well coated and heated through.
- While the meat is cooking, prepare your serving bowls. Start with a base of chopped romaine lettuce in each bowl.
- Once the meat is ready, spoon an even amount of the seasoned meat over the lettuce in each bowl.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the salads, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Top each salad with a few slices of avocado and a dollop of salsa for added flavor.
- Finally, serve the taco salad with a handful of gluten-free tortilla chips on the side or crushed on top for added crunch.
- Enjoy your delicious and satisfying gluten-free taco salad!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey with at least 90% lean meat for a healthier option.
- Seasoning Secret: If you want to make your own taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a preservative-free alternative.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Avocado Hack: To keep avocado fresh and prevent browning, slice it just before serving and sprinkle with a little lime juice.
- Crunch Factor: For extra texture, lightly toast your gluten-free tortilla chips before crushing or serving them alongside the salad.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the meat and chop vegetables in advance to make assembly quick and easy during busy weeknights.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add black beans, corn, or jalapeños for additional flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
