Name: Easy Taco Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs. ground beef; 1 tsp. sea salt; 2 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1 tsp. chili powder; 1 tsp. cumin; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 1 head romaine lettuce (or 2 romaine hearts); 2 cups sliced cucumber; 8 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes; 4 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed; Zesty French dressing; Nacho cheese Doritos for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you crave a meal that’s equal parts fun, flavorful, and seriously satisfying, you need this Easy Taco Salad Recipe in your rotation. It’s got everything you love from a taco night—seasoned beef, crisp veggies, zippy dressing, and a crunch of nacho cheese Doritos—all in a hearty, colorful bowl. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for family dinner or a quick weekday lunch, this Easy Taco Salad Recipe is your ticket to a fresh, festive meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how basic yet essential each ingredient is, lending color, crunch, and craveable flavor to every bite. You won’t need anything fancy—just a handful of fresh produce, classic taco seasonings, and a few pantry staples to pull this irresistible Easy Taco Salad Recipe together.

Ground beef: Builds a hearty, protein-packed base and soaks up all those zesty spices.
Sea salt: Boosts all the flavors and balances the dish.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the savory richness and adds a subtle tang.
Chili powder: Provides a gentle heat and those iconic taco vibes—don’t skip!
Cumin: Gives warm, smoky depth that makes the beef irresistible.
Garlic powder: Delivers that cozy, familiar flavor in every bite.
Onion powder: Adds extra umami and sweetness without chopping onions.
Romaine lettuce: The crisp, refreshing foundation that makes this a true salad.
Sliced cucumber: Brings cool crunch and balances the richer flavors.
Grape or cherry tomatoes: Poppy bursts of juiciness and bright color.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melty, savory, and nearly non-negotiable on a taco salad.
Black beans: Extra protein and creamy texture—don’t forget to drain and rinse!
Zesty french dressing: Look for Western or Catalina for that classic tangy-sweet flavor.
Nacho cheese Doritos: The secret weapon—crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive.

How to Make Easy Taco Salad Recipe

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it up as it browns, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once it’s almost cooked through, stir in the tomato paste, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. If your beef seems dry, splash in a bit of water to loosen things up. Cook and stir for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld while the beef finishes cooking.

Step 2: Prep the Crisp Components

While your kitchen fills with those delicious taco aromas, get the veggies ready. Rinse and thinly slice the romaine lettuce for maximum crunch. Wash and halve the grape or cherry tomatoes to release their juiciness. If needed, shred the cheddar cheese fresh for the best melt. These simple steps make every bite of your Easy Taco Salad Recipe fresh and exciting.

Step 3: Layer and Build the Salad

Take out your biggest salad bowl or a platter and start layering: first the crisp romaine, then a scattering of cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and rinsed black beans. Top with generous spoonfuls of your perfectly spiced beef mixture. Over everything, drizzle your favorite zesty French dressing. Finish strong with a snowy layer of sharp cheddar and a scattering of crushed nacho cheese Doritos for that final hit of flavor and crunch—now your Easy Taco Salad Recipe is ready to shine!

How to Serve Easy Taco Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A salad this lively practically begs for a little extra flair! Sprinkle on sliced green onions, diced avocado, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Squeeze on some lime wedges if you love a citrusy kick—personalize every serving so everyone can have their own perfect bowl of Easy Taco Salad Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to round things out, a side of Mexican rice or a small bowl of queso with chips makes for a festive spread. For a lighter touch, serve with a platter of fresh watermelon, or go all out with mini cheese quesadillas to keep the taco night theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

A fun way to serve Easy Taco Salad Recipe at parties is to set everything out as a bar—let guests build their own bowls, picking their toppings and dressings. Or, scoop the salad into individual mason jars for on-the-go lunches and picnic fare. You can even serve the salad over baked tortilla shells to make edible salad bowls for a restaurant-style touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftovers, simply store the components separately for best results. Keep the beef, veggies, cheese, and dressing in airtight containers in the fridge. Don’t forget to hold off on adding Doritos until just before serving—this way, you keep every bite crunchy and delicious.

Freezing

While the fresh veggies and cheese don’t freeze well, the seasoned beef is freezer-friendly! Cool it down after cooking, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it, and your next Easy Taco Salad Recipe is halfway done before you even start.

Reheating

For reheating, warm the beef gently in a skillet or microwave until hot all the way through. Then assemble your salad as fresh as ever. The veggies, cheese, and chips should always be added cold and crisp, right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic lean substitutes in this Easy Taco Salad Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and don’t be shy with the spices to ensure you still get loads of flavor.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Definitely—skip the beef and add extra black beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Roasted sweet potatoes or corn also make tasty, hearty swaps in this Easy Taco Salad Recipe.

What is the best store-bought dressing to use?

For that classic taco salad taste, look for zesty French dressings like Western or Catalina. Their sweet-tangy profile ties the whole Easy Taco Salad Recipe together, but you can swap in ranch or salsa if that’s what you love.

How far ahead can I prep the ingredients?

You can chop the lettuce, slice the cucumbers and tomatoes, shred cheese, and cook the beef a day or two ahead. Store each component in separate containers for maximum freshness, and assemble the salad just before serving for the ultimate crunch.

Can I make this low-carb?

Easy! Just skip the Doritos and opt for extra veggies or roasted pepitas for crunch. You’ll still have all the bold flavors of a classic Easy Taco Salad Recipe, without the extra carbs.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Taco Salad Recipe is a weeknight hero—quick, customizable, and downright irresistible. If you’re ready to brighten up dinnertime with fresh, bold flavors and lots of family fun, gather your favorite ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight!

Easy Taco Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This easy taco salad recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Packed with flavorful ingredients and topped with zesty dressing, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Add tomato paste, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until beef is cooked through.
Prepare Salad Ingredients: Wash and thinly slice the lettuce, cut tomatoes in half, and shred cheddar cheese if necessary.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or plate, layer lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and black beans. Top with the cooked beef mixture. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with cheddar cheese, crushed Doritos, and any other desired toppings.

Notes

You can customize this taco salad with additional toppings like avocado, olives, or jalapenos.
Feel free to use your favorite dressing or make a homemade one for a unique flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Mixing, Layering
Cuisine: Mexican