Ultimate Taco Salad Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? This Ultimate Taco Salad is your answer! Combining the best of Mexican cuisine with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With layers of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, black beans, corn, and a creamy dressing, every bite is a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 1/4 tsp mayonnaise
• 1/4 tsp prepared salsa
• 1/2 tsp taco seasoning (from a 1 oz package)

For the Salad:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning (use 1/2 tsp for the dressing)
• 2/3 cup water
• 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce (or romaine lettuce)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 12 oz prepared salsa
• 1 pack (12 oz) frozen corn, thawed
• 1 can sliced black olives, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 2 cups shredded Colby cheese
• 1-2 avocados, peeled and cubed

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, and taco seasoning. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat; drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large glass bowl or 9×13 baking dish, layer the ingredients in the following order: lettuce, black beans, seasoned meat, salsa, corn, black olives, red onion. Spread the dressing mixture evenly over the onion layer. Top with tomatoes and shredded cheese.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Just before serving, garnish with cubed avocados. Serve with fresh cilantro and extra salsa, if desired. Enjoy!