Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Our Loaded Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing is not just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. Imagine a colorful medley of fresh veggies, seasoned meat, and creamy dressing all nestled atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired salad that serves four and is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to making a taco salad that’s as delicious as it is easy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey, cooked
- Taco seasoning
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Black beans, rinsed
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Avocado, diced
- Salsa
- Ranch dressing
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the cooked meat according to package instructions. Typically, this involves adding a small amount of water and simmering for a few minutes until the meat is well-coated and the seasoning is fragrant.
- While the meat is cooking, wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large salad bowl as the base of your taco salad.
- Next, rinse the black beans under cold water in a colander to remove any excess sodium. Add the rinsed beans to the salad bowl with the romaine lettuce.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the salad bowl. These will add a fresh burst of flavor and color to your dish.
- Dice the avocado and gently fold it into the salad mixture, being careful not to mash it. This will add creaminess to your salad.
- Once the meat is fully cooked and seasoned, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the salad bowl. This will prevent wilting the lettuce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad for a delicious cheesy flavor.
- Prepare the dressing by combining salsa and ranch dressing in a small bowl. Adjust the proportions to your taste, using more salsa for a spicier kick or more ranch for creaminess.
- Drizzle the salsa ranch dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp. Toss the salad gently to combine all the flavors.
- Finally, serve the loaded taco salad in individual bowls, garnishing with a handful of tortilla chips on top for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious and colorful taco salad!
Tips
- Choose Your Protein: You can use either ground beef or turkey based on your preference. For a healthier option, lean ground turkey is a great choice, while beef offers a richer flavor.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different taco seasoning blends to find your perfect flavor profile. You can even make your own seasoning mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest romaine lettuce, ripe avocados, and juicy cherry tomatoes for the best taste and texture. Fresh ingredients will elevate your salad to a whole new level.
- Layer for Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients in the salad bowl rather than mixing everything together. This way, the vibrant colors of the tomatoes, black beans, and cheese will shine through.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat and chop the veggies in advance. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to adjust the salsa ranch dressing to your liking. Add some lime juice for a zesty kick or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat!
- Serve with Style: For a fun twist, serve the salad in taco bowls made from baked tortilla shells. This adds an extra crunch and makes for a delightful presentation.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain freshness. The salad can be enjoyed the next day, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
