Best 3 Midwestern Taco Salad Recipes

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In the heartland of America, where cornfields sway and golden sunsets paint the sky, there's a culinary creation that embodies the spirit of the Midwest: the taco salad. This iconic dish, a symphony of flavors and textures, is not your ordinary salad. It's a fiesta in a bowl, a delightful fusion of Mexican and American influences that has captured the hearts of food lovers across the nation.

From classic versions to unique twists, this article presents a collection of mouthwatering Midwestern taco salad recipes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer traditional ground beef or crave the zest of shredded chicken, these recipes offer a culinary adventure that caters to diverse palates. Vegetarian and vegan enthusiasts will find delectable options too, with hearty beans and crisp vegetables taking center stage.

Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Crispy taco shells, crumbled or tossed in, add a delightful crunch, while layers of seasoned meat, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado create a symphony of flavors. Cheesy goodness, in the form of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites, adds a gooey, irresistible element. And don't forget the tangy dressing, a harmony of spices, herbs, and tangy ingredients that brings everything together.

So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Midwest. Let your taste buds dance to the rhythm of the taco salad, a dish that embodies the spirit of culinary fusion and promises to be a hit at your next gathering.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

POTLUCK TACO SALAD



Potluck Taco Salad image

I found this recipe in an old school cookbook, and I've taken it to many potlucks since then. The layers look so pretty in a glass bowl. -Sandy Fynaardt, New Sharon, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings (1 cup dressing).

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning, divided
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 large red onion, chopped
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups crushed tortilla chips (about 8 ounces)
1 bottle (8 ounces) Thousand Island salad dressing
2 tablespoons taco sauce

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; drain. Stir in 3 tablespoons taco seasoning., In a large bowl, layer beef mixture, lettuce, beans, onion, tomatoes, cheese and crushed chips. In a small bowl, mix salad dressing, taco sauce and remaining taco seasoning; serve with salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 574 calories, Fat 34g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 1109mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

MIDWESTERN TACO SALAD



Midwestern Taco Salad image

This taco salad recipe is different from the ones that are on Recipezaar because it doesn't use Catalina dressing, you make the dressing for this salad. It also contains Doritos, kidney beans and colby or cheddar cheese. I haven't had a chance to try this recipe yet, so I am placing it here for safekeeping. Please Note: Time does not include cooling time for ground beef.

Provided by Crafty Lady 13

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb ground beef
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1 head lettuce, chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 lb colby or 1 lb cheddar cheese, grated
1 (12 ounce) bag Doritos, crushed
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup oil
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Brown and drain ground beef. Add taco mix and water to ground beef; simmer until thick. Cool. In a large bowl, layer lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cheese, crushed Doritos and ground beef. Drain and rinse kidney beans; add to salad. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over salad just before serving.

DORITOS® TACO SALAD



Doritos® Taco Salad image

I love this dish! It reminds me of potlucks and summertime. It's full of every texture--warm, cool, crisp, soft, crunchy. It has a touch of sweetness and tanginess from the dressing, and the lovely nacho cheese flavor from the chips, with the taco-seasoned meat. It all works together deliciously and is a quick and easy meal that's ready to go anytime.

Provided by Rebekah Rose Hills

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup water
1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
½ (12 ounce) bag nacho cheese-flavored corn chips (such as Doritos®), crushed
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 ½ medium tomatoes, diced
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
½ cup Catalina salad dressing, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat and saute ground beef, diced onion, salt, and pepper together until ground beef is browned and no longer pink and onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water and taco seasoning to the meat. Stir to coat and allow to simmer for 1 minute to thicken. Set aside to cool while you prep the salad.
  • Add kidney beans, crushed chips, lettuce, tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, and dressing to a large bowl. Top with meat mixture and toss gently to evenly combine. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 509 calories, Carbohydrate 39.7 g, Cholesterol 64.8 mg, Fat 28.9 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 24.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 833.1 mg, Sugar 8.4 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings and fillings.
  • Make sure to brown the ground beef well before adding the other ingredients.
  • Use a flavorful taco seasoning blend for the best results.
  • Don't overcook the taco meat; it should be cooked through but still juicy.
  • Serve the taco salad immediately after it is made for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

The Midwestern taco salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. With its combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a variety of other toppings, the Midwestern taco salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this Midwestern taco salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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