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Taco Salad

Ever get that taco craving but want a lighter, fresher option? This Taco Salad is your answer with all the flavors and textures of a taco but with veggies as the base. From the crunchy cheesy chips to the zesty chipotle sauce and seasoned ground beef, this quick and easy yet satisfying meal will be a hit. It basically tastes like Taco Bell in a big old salad bowl!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Yields2 to 4
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings2 to 4

Ingredients

GROUND BEEF:

  • 1 pound ground beef, 90/10
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped

CHIPOTLE SAUCE:

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons chipotle adobo paste

SALAD:

  • 6 to 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or Mexican blend
  • 1 cup cheesy tortilla chips, crushed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions 

PREPARE THE GROUND BEEF:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Add minced garlic, chili powder, coriander, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
  3. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Stir in finely chopped cilantro, then remove from heat and set aside.

MAKE THE CHIPOTLE SAUCE:

  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, chili powder, and adobo paste. Stir until smooth and well combined.

ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:

  1. In a large salad bowl, layer chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
  2. Spoon the prepared ground beef mixture over the salad.
  3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  4. Evenly distribute diced tomatoes and avocado over the lettuce.
  5. Drizzle the chipotle sauce generously over the salad.
  6. Add dollops of sour cream throughout the salad.
  7. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top. You can also serve whole tortilla chips on the side.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!