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–+ servings
Taco salad in a white bowl with fresh cilantro and salsa.

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.
5 from 1 vote
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Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad Recipes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 515 kcal

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; omit if following keto)
  • 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.
    Cooking the ground beef for taco meat then adding kidney beans.
  • Add kidney beans to the meat and cook until warm. Remove taco meat mixture from heat.
  • In a large salad bowl place lettuce, avocado, onion, tomatoes, cheese, olives, and corn chips (if using). Add warm beef and bean mixture.
    Adding all the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
  • Top with thousand island dressing, and taco sauce (if using). Toss gently.
    Pouring dressing over the taco salad then tossing gently.
  • Serve immediately. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.

Kori's Tips

Don't miss all our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes in our post. Check it out!
VARIATIONS/SUBSTITUTIONS: Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef; Halve cherry tomatoes instead of chopped tomatoes; Use light French or Catalina dressing in place of Thousand Island; Black beans instead of kidney beans. Reduce fat by using less cheese and light or fat free dressing.
TIPS: This salad is mild. If you want extra spice use hot sauce or taco sauce. If the dressing is added too soon it can make the salad soggy. To meal prep. Have all the ingredients stored in separate containers then assemble when ready. This recipe can easily be halved - or even doubled if needed. 
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve on a plate or in a tortilla bowl. Season to taste with hot sauce, taco sauce, or salsa. Top with sour cream or even extra diced avocado and fresh cilantro.
KETO NOTES: Omit kidney beans and corn chips. Make sure to use a keto friendly thousand island dressing. 

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 33gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 698mgPotassium: 933mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1054IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 323mgIron: 5mg
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