This colorful Cinco De Mayo Taco Salad is a fiesta in a bowl! It’s packed with crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, flavorful taco meat, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This leafy base adds crunch and freshness. If you prefer a different texture, feel free to swap it with spinach or mixed greens for a unique taste.
Ground Beef: I often go for lean ground beef, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, try lentils or black beans instead!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade adds a personal touch! My homemade blend is quick, but if you need a faster option, just grab the packet.
Cilantro: This herb introduces a bright flavor. For those who aren’t fans, parsley works well as a mild substitute.
Guacamole: Store-bought is easy, but homemade offers the freshest taste. Use ripe avocados, lime, and a pinch of salt for a simple mix.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef is Flavorful?
Cooking ground beef may seem straightforward, but adding seasoning at just the right moment can elevate your dish. It’s important to brown the meat well first before adding any seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then add the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain the excess fat if needed, then add taco seasoning mixed with a splash of water.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely with the beef.
Take your time with cooking; it truly makes a difference in taste! If you’d like a kick, remember to adjust the spice level in your taco seasoning to suit your preference.
How to Make Cinco De Mayo Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
- Blue corn tortilla chips (about 1 cup)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional):
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. And since the ground beef cooks quickly, you’ll be enjoying this vibrant dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks.
2. Season the Beef:
After the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, add the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Mix everything well and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the beef soak up all that flavor!
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, place your chopped romaine lettuce as the base. This will hold all the tasty toppings that are about to come!
4. Layer the Salad:
Next, add the cooked taco-seasoned ground beef right on top of the lettuce. This will create a hearty layer.
5. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Now, scatter the diced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and fresh cilantro over the beef. This will add a nice crunch and fresh flavor to your salad.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the salad. It’s a great way to add creaminess and a cheesy kick!
7. Add Guacamole:
Spoon a generous dollop of guacamole right in the center of the salad. This adds richness and flavors that blend beautifully!
8. Crunch Time!
Serve your salad with a handful of blue corn tortilla chips. You can keep them on the side for dipping or mix them right into the salad for an added crunch!
9. Final Touches:
If you’d like, garnish your salad with some extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish before serving!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Cinco De Mayo Taco Salad!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a leaner option and works well with taco seasoning. Just cook them the same way until they’re browned and fully cooked through.
How Can I Make This Taco Salad Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or even quinoa. You can season them with the taco seasoning for that flavorful kick!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef mixture separately, then layer the salad again for a fresh presentation. Alternatively, you can mix everything up for a quick meal.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the taco beef and chop all the veggies ahead of time! Just keep everything stored separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
