Best 5 Crowd Pleasing Taco Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a fiesta of flavors with our crowd-pleasing taco salad, a vibrant and versatile dish that combines the best of Mexican cuisine. This tantalizing salad boasts a crisp and refreshing romaine lettuce base, topped with a flavorful fiesta of seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of tangy sour cream. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.

Accompanying this delectable salad are four additional recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and culinary adventures. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the black bean and corn taco salad offers a protein-packed alternative with its zesty blend of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a tangy dressing. If you prefer a seafood twist, the Baja fish taco salad features succulent grilled fish, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy chipotle dressing, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

For those with a passion for spice, the spicy chicken taco salad delivers a fiery kick with its succulent chicken marinated in a blend of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, served alongside a cooling avocado ranch dressing. And for those who enjoy the smoky essence of grilled steak, the steak taco salad presents tender and flavorful steak strips accompanied by a zesty salsa verde, resulting in a smoky and tangy combination.

Embark on a culinary journey with our taco salad recipes, offering a diverse range of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're hosting a lively party or seeking a satisfying meal, these salads promise an explosion of taste and a delightful dining experience.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

TACO SALAD FOR A LARGE CROWD



Taco Salad for a Large Crowd image

I made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. -Lisa Homer, Avon, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 26 servings (1-1/3 cups each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
2 envelopes taco seasoning, divided
1 medium head iceberg lettuce
1 package (10 ounces) nacho-flavored tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
2 pints grape tomatoes, halved
2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large sweet onion, chopped
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
1-1/2 cups Thousand Island salad dressing
1-1/3 cups salsa
1/3 cup sugar

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef with 1 envelope plus 2 tablespoons taco seasoning until no longer pink; drain. , In a very large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, chips, tomatoes, beans, olives, cheese, onion, chilies and beef mixture., In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, salsa, sugar and remaining taco seasoning; pour over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 262 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 696mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

TASTY LAYERED TACO SALAD



Tasty Layered Taco Salad image

My colorful and attractive salad looks very appealing when layered in a trifle dish. It can be used as a main dish or side. I've even served it at potlucks. -Elissa Dougherty, Babylon, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings (1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound ground beef
2/3 cup water
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 cups shredded lettuce
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
5 green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
2 cups sour cream
Tortilla chips

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Cool slightly., In a small bowl, mash avocados with onion, garlic and lemon juice. In a 3-qt. glass bowl, layer with beef, avocado mixture, lettuce, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, cheese, salsa and sour cream. Serve immediately with chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289 calories, Fat 21g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 559mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

TASTY TACO CHOPPED SALAD



Tasty Taco Chopped Salad image

My friends and I love Mexican food, but we also try to eat healthy. My mom taught me how to make this tasty taco salad for my friends. -Matthew Smith, Knippa, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 ounces) Ranch Style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce)
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 large tomato, chopped
2 cups corn chips
1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning, water and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3-4 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally., Place remaining ingredients in separate bowls; combine with beef mixture as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 471 calories, Fat 25g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 1193mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

TACO SALAD FOR A CROWD



Taco Salad for a Crowd image

This recipe can be fixed in about 30 minutes. It's a big hit at get-togethers and I don't have to bring any home after the party.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 14-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded taco cheese
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup taco sauce
1 (10 1/2 ounce) package corn chips

Steps:

  • In large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
  • Stir in the ketchup, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • In large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, olives and beef mixture.
  • Combine mayonnaise and taco sauce; pour over salad and toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle with corn chips.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.7, Fat 12.7, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 23.2, Sodium 466.4, Carbohydrate 20.2, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 4.2, Protein 8.6

CROWD- PLEASING TACO SALAD



Crowd- Pleasing Taco Salad image

Make and share this Crowd- Pleasing Taco Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by AshleyP

Categories     Potluck

Time 35m

Yield 2 pounds, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup taco sauce
1 (10 1/2 ounce) package corn chips

Steps:

  • •In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the ketchup, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • • In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, olives and beef mixture. Combine mayonnaise and taco sauce; pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with corn chips. Serve immediately. Yield: 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374.9, Fat 24, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 47.8, Sodium 779.4, Carbohydrate 27.7, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 5.5, Protein 13.7

Tips:

  • Use a variety of taco toppings to create a flavorful and visually appealing salad. Some popular options include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of taco meat. Ground beef is a classic choice, but you can also use chicken, turkey, or even tofu. You can also use pre-cooked taco meat to save time.
  • If you're looking for a vegetarian taco salad, you can omit the meat and add more beans, vegetables, and cheese.
  • To make a healthier taco salad, use whole-wheat tortillas or taco shells, and load up on the vegetables.
  • Taco salad is a great make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, just top with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy.

Conclusion:

Taco salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a fun and festive party dish. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a taco salad recipe that everyone will love.

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