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Taco Salad with Ground Beef, Fresh Veggies, and Creamy Salsa Yogurt Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This vibrant Taco Salad combines seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables, black beans, and crunchy tortilla chips, topped with a tangy salsa-yogurt dressing. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup sweet corn
  • 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 avocado (diced)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup tortilla chips (roughly crushed)

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, salsa, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, serving platter, or individual plates, start with the chopped romaine lettuce, then add cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, red onion, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Add the Beef and Crunch: Top the salad mixture with the cooked ground beef, then sprinkle the roughly crushed tortilla chips over the top to add crunch.
  5. Serve with Dressing: Serve the salsa-yogurt dressing on the side so each person can add their preferred amount to the salad.
  6. Enjoy Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to maintain the freshness and crispness of ingredients, and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing.
  • To keep tortilla chips crisp, add them just before serving.
  • This salad can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
  • Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make this recipe gluten-free.