Easy Taco Salad Recipe
A healthy taco salad that doesn’t feel like one - hearty, crunchy, full of bold flavor, and ready in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 recipe healthy taco seasoning mix (Or 1 store packet)
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 (15-ounce can) kidney beans drained and rinsed; optional, leave out for a lower-carb salad
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce (torn or shredded)
- 1 medium ripe avocado (peeled, pitted and sliced into ¼" slices)
- 1 large tomato (chopped)
- ½ cup onion (chopped)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded; amount may be halved)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup sugar free or light thousand island dressing
- hot sauce to taste (optional)
- optional for serving: crushed corn chips or tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa (only use corn chips if it fits your dietary needs)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized skillet on medium heat, brown ground beef. Drain excess liquid then add water and seasoning packet. Bring to a simmer and reduce until sauce is thickened.
- If using beans, add them to the meat and cook until warm. Remove the taco meat from the heat.
- In a large salad bowl place lettuce, avocado, onion, tomatoes, cheese, olives, and corn chips (if using). Add warm beef and bean mixture.
- Top with thousand island dressing, and taco sauce (if using). Toss gently.
- Serve immediately. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.
Video
Kori's Tips
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Add the dressing right before serving so the salad doesn't get soggy. This salad is mild, so add hot sauce or taco sauce for extra heat. To meal prep, store each ingredient separately and assemble when ready. The recipe halves or doubles easily. Nutrition is calculated without beans or chips.
VARIATIONS: Serve it on a plate or in a tortilla bowl, topped with sour cream, salsa, extra avocado, and fresh cilantro. For a lower-carb or keto salad, leave out the beans and corn chips and use a sugar-free thousand island dressing.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef, halved cherry tomatoes instead of chopped tomatoes, black beans instead of kidney beans, or light French or Catalina dressing instead of thousand island. For less fat, use less cheese and a light dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 29.3gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 698mgPotassium: 933mgFiber: 6.2gSugar: 5.5gVitamin A: 1054IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 323mgIron: 5mg
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