This is the best taco salad recipe! Lettuce, taco meat, veggies, herbs, cheese and toasted corn are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for a bold, flavorful and delicious salad perfect for taco nights!
Combine ground beef, onion and minced garlic in a non-stick fry pan or cast iron skillet.
Cover and cook over medium-high heat until the meat begins to brown and is no longer pink in the center, stirring often.*
Once the ground beef begins to brown, add taco seasoning and stir until it’s evenly distributed.
Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
Cook, uncovered, until the mixture is browned, stirring occasionally.
Toast the Corn
Cook corn with 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until lightly browned.
Once browned, sprinkle with sea salt.
Set aside to use on the salad.
Assemble
Combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and half the dressing in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Top with cheese, avocado and corn.
Then, if desired, put meat on top of the salad and drizzle it with the remaining dressing and serve.
Individual Servings
I like to serve this salad in individual portions so guests can make it their own. To do this, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onion and cheese in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Lay out your desired toppings (cheese, sour cream, chips, guacamole, salsa, etc.), the dressing, toasted corn and the ground beef mixture.
Then let guests/family members build and dress their salads individually. I prefer this because undressed salad keeps better and longer than dressed, so we can enjoy leftovers for a day or two after we make it!
Video
Notes
Note on Meat ToppingWe love making taco salad with ground beef tacos. You can also use these recipes as a topper to this salad:
Chips. we always top our taco salad with crushed tortilla chips - so good!
Salad Dressing OptionsFollow the recipe in this post: Avocado Dressing to make an amazing dressing for this taco salad. Or you can use store-bought dressings. Some suggestions include:
Any herb-based vinaigrette, preferably with cilantro.
StoreStore leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if the taco salad is undressed, 1-2 if it is dressed.I suggest storing the salad and meat separately so you can warm up the meat before using it to make a leftover salad.