Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 25 Minute Easy Taco Salad Recipe brings together all the best Tex-Mex flavors in a single bowl, with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, crunchy tortilla chips, and a zesty dressing. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, satisfying meal without the hassle.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beeftaco seasoningmixwaterromaine lettucecherry tomatoesshredded cheddar cheesesliced black olivesdiced red onionsour creamranch dressingtortilla chips

directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbled.

Drain excess grease if necessary, then stir in taco seasoning mix and water according to package directions.

Simmer for a few minutes until the beef is well coated and slightly thickened.

Meanwhile, chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes.

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, black olives, and diced red onion.

Add the cooked taco meat to the salad and toss gently to combine.

In a small bowl, mix sour cream with ranch dressing to create a creamy taco salad dressing.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss again to coat everything evenly.

Top with crushed tortilla chips right before serving for an extra crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesAssembly time: 5 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Swap ranch dressing for salsa or a spicy chipotle sauce.

Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess.

Include canned corn or black beans for more texture and flavor.

Try using a bagged salad mix to save even more prep time.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salad (without chips) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Keep tortilla chips separate to maintain their crunch.Reheat the taco meat separately in the microwave before adding to fresh greens if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead, but assemble right before eating to keep it fresh.

What’s the best lettuce for taco salad?

Romaine lettuce is ideal because it’s sturdy and stays crisp.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, store-bought is convenient, but homemade seasoning works great too.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely, use seasoned black beans or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.

How spicy is this salad?

It depends on your taco seasoning; choose mild or hot based on your preference.

Can I use a different dressing?

Sure! Catalina or Thousand Island dressings are also popular options for taco salad.

Do I have to use tortilla chips?

No, you can substitute with crushed Doritos, Fritos, or even skip them for a low-carb version.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would be delicious too.

Can kids enjoy this salad?

Yes, just adjust the seasoning level to suit their taste.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Keep wet ingredients separate until just before serving, and add the dressing and chips last.

Conclusion

This 25 Minute Easy Taco Salad Recipe is a flavorful, fast, and flexible meal option that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests with a colorful, satisfying dish.