Description
The Taco Fiesta Salad blends the classic elements of a hearty taco with the fresh, crisp texture of a salad, making it an ideal choice for both quick family meals and social gatherings. Its robust flavors and colorful presentation promise to delight anyone looking for a festive and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 TBSP taco seasoning
- ¼ cup salsa
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup corn (canned or steamed from fresh/frozen)
- 1 cup diced onion (any color)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
- 2 cups Doritos
- 1 small avocado (diced before serving)
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional) to taste
- ¼-½ cup sour cream for topping
- Optional extra ingredients: black beans, pinto beans, additional salsa or taco sauce, guacamole, jalapeños, bell pepper, black olives, cilantro
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Meat
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup of salsa, along with ¼ cup of water, and simmer the mixture uncovered on low heat until it thickens into a rich, flavorful sauce.
2. Chop Vegetables
While the meat simmers, chop the romaine lettuce, onions, and tomatoes into small pieces. Thinly slice the green onions. These smaller cuts ensure a mélange of flavors in every bite.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, corn, and Doritos (crushed for extra texture or left whole for more crunch). Add any optional ingredients like black beans, olives, or peppers according to your preference.
4. Assemble the Salad
Mix all ingredients well. Portion the salad into individual bowls or a large serving dish. Top with grated cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Drizzle extra salsa or taco sauce if desired for additional zest.
Servings & Preparation Time
Typically, this recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 10 minutes, totaling 30 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- To store, keep the meat mixture and salad ingredients separate. Assemble only as much salad as will be eaten to prevent soggy leftovers.
- Refrigerate the meat mixture and salad components in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, gently warm the meat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, then assemble with fresh salad components.
Conclusion
The Taco Fiesta Salad merges the hearty appeal of classic tacos with the light, refreshing qualities of a salad. This dish is customizable, allowing diners to adjust ingredients according to their taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving a simple family dinner or entertaining a large group, this versatile salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, promising a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite!
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Taco Fiesta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
The Taco Fiesta Salad blends the classic elements of a hearty taco with the fresh, crisp texture of a salad, making it an ideal choice for both quick family meals and social gatherings. Its robust flavors and colorful presentation promise to delight anyone looking for a festive and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 TBSP taco seasoning
- ¼ cup salsa
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup corn (canned or steamed from fresh/frozen)
- 1 cup diced onion (any color)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
- 2 cups Doritos
- 1 small avocado (diced before serving)
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional) to taste
- ¼–½ cup sour cream for topping
- Optional extra ingredients: black beans, pinto beans, additional salsa or taco sauce, guacamole, jalapeños, bell pepper, black olives, cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup of salsa, along with ¼ cup of water, and simmer the mixture uncovered on low heat until it thickens into a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Chop Vegetables: While the meat simmers, chop the romaine lettuce, onions, and tomatoes into small pieces. Thinly slice the green onions. These smaller cuts ensure a mélange of flavors in every bite.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, corn, and Doritos (crushed for extra texture or left whole for more crunch). Add any optional ingredients like black beans, olives, or peppers according to your preference.
- Assemble the Salad: Mix all ingredients well. Portion the salad into individual bowls or a large serving dish. Top with grated cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Drizzle extra salsa or taco sauce if desired for additional zest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes