Best 5 Mini Taco Salads Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Taco Salads: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors**

Indulge in a culinary adventure with our tantalizing mini taco salads, a delectable fusion of zesty Mexican flavors and crisp, refreshing greens. These individual salads are not just a meal; they're an explosion of textures and tastes that will leave your palate dancing. Featuring a symphony of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and a symphony of spices, these taco salads are a fiesta in every bite. And the best part? They're incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or satisfying quick cravings. Let's dive into the delightful world of mini taco salads, exploring the flavors and techniques that make them so irresistible.

**Variations to Suit Every Palate:**

Our article offers a culinary journey with three distinctive mini taco salad recipes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The classic beef taco salad is a timeless favorite, featuring seasoned ground beef bursting with savory flavors. For a lighter option, the chicken taco salad incorporates tender, shredded chicken, offering a leaner yet equally delicious alternative. And for those with a vegetarian inclination, the black bean taco salad showcases the hearty goodness of black beans, delivering a protein-packed and satisfying meal. With these three variations, every taco salad enthusiast will find their perfect match.

**Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Fiesta:**

The secret to our irresistible mini taco salads lies in the careful selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Ground beef, chicken, or black beans serve as the protein base, each offering a unique texture and taste. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy salsa add layers of freshness and vibrancy. A blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, infuses each salad with a symphony of savory flavors. And of course, no taco salad is complete without a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese, melting into gooey perfection atop the other ingredients.

**Simple Steps for Taco Salad Success:**

Crafting these mini taco salads is a breeze, requiring only a few simple steps. Season and cook your chosen protein, whether it's ground beef, chicken, or black beans. Arrange crisp lettuce cups in individual bowls or plates, ready to be filled with a rainbow of ingredients. Layer the seasoned protein, followed by diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy salsa. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt under the warmth of the other ingredients. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, adding a burst of citrusy brightness to the salad.

**A Culinary Journey Awaits:**

Our mini taco salads are more than just a meal; they're an invitation to a culinary adventure. With three distinct variations, each offering a unique flavor profile, these salads cater to every palate. Follow our step-by-step guide and discover how easy it is to create these delightful dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you prefer the classic beef taco salad, the lighter chicken option, or the hearty black bean alternative, our recipes are designed to inspire and satisfy. So embark on this culinary journey, embrace the vibrant flavors, and let your taste buds dance with delight as you savor every bite of these delectable mini taco salads.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MINI TACO SALADS



Mini Taco Salads image

Provided by Kristy Still

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 Corn Tortilla Shells (6 Inch)
1 lb Ground Beef
1 Package Taco Seasoning (or Gluten Free Taco Seasoning)
1 Head of Lettuce
1 Can Ranch Style Beans
1 2.5 oz Can of Black Olives (Sliced and Drained)
1 Tomato Diced
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Catalina Dressing

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350*. Spray the back side of a muffin tin, and place warmed up corn tortillas on it to form a bowl. These can be placed in between the muffin tins, as shown above. I was able to fit 3-4 comfortably on a pan. Be sure to warm up the tortillas in the microwave or on the stove to make them more pliable and avoid tearing. I placed mine on a plate and warmed them for 30 seconds.
  • Bake these in the oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned and holding shape.
  • While these are baking, cook and drain ground beef in a skillet on medium heat. Add taco seasoning as according to package.
  • Clean, shred, and tear the lettuce and place in a large bowl to use for the salads. The beans can be warmed up as according to the instructions on the can.
  • Once the taco shells are done, let them cool then build your taco salad with lettuce, beans, olives, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and top with Catalina Dressing.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Servings

MINI TACO SALAD BOWLS



Mini Taco Salad Bowls image

Keep it fresh and fun with Mini Taco Salad Bowls. Our recipe calls for crisped Old El Paso™ Taco Bowls™ Mini Soft Flour Tortillas, Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning Mix, and fresh toppings like green onions, sliced olives, salsa and more. Individual taco salads make it easy to make salads the best part of dinner! Perfect for families, encourage kids to make it their own by adding the toppings they love.

Provided by Old El Paso

Categories     Tacos     Salads

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 Old El Paso™ Taco Bowls™ mini soft flour tortillas
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
1 cup finely shredded lettuce
Make it FRESH toppings, as desired (see below)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly brush bowls with oil to coat entirely, and place on ungreased cookie sheet; bake 4 to 5 minutes or until browned on rim--bowls will get crisp as cooled. Set aside.
  • In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Sprinkle with taco seasoning mix. Cook until beef is coated with seasoning, stirring occasionally.
  • To serve, divide lettuce and taco meat evenly among crisped bowls; serve with Make it FRESH toppings.

MINI TACO SALADS



Mini Taco Salads image

Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1/4 cup prepared salsa
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 pound ground chuck
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 cup finely shredded green leaf lettuce
1/2 cup seeded and chopped tomato
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/4 cup finely grated Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin; set aside. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut 3 circles from each tortilla. Brush both sides of prepared tortillas with butter mixture. Place centers of tortillas in wells of a 12-cup muffin pan, carefully pressing remainder of each tortilla up sides of muffin pan to form a cup. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove to a wire rack, and cool completely. In a small bowl, combine salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Cover; refrigerate. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground chuck for 6 minutes or until browned and crumbly. Drain meat completely. Return to heat; add water, chile powder, remaining 2 teaspoons cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper, stirring to combine well. Spoon meat into prepared tortilla cups. Top with lettuce, salsa mixture, tomato, avocado, and cheese. Serve immediately.

MINI TACO SALAD APPETIZER



Mini Taco Salad Appetizer image

Start the party off right with our Mini Taco Salad Appetizer. The Tex-Mex flavor of our Mini Taco Salad Appetizer is sure to get everyone talking.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 lb. lean ground beef
2 Tbsp. (about 1/2 of 1-oz. pkg.) TACO BELL® Taco Seasoning Mix
6 Tbsp. water
32 scooped tortilla chips
2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce
1/3 cup TACO BELL® Thick & Chunky Salsa
2/3 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Steps:

  • Brown meat in medium skillet; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water; simmer 10 min., stirring occasionally.
  • Arrange chips in single layer on platter; fill with lettuce, meat mixture, salsa and cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 300 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 7 g

MINI TACO SALADS



Mini Taco Salads image

Make and share this Mini Taco Salads recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PotatoLovingSisters

Categories     Meat

Time 12m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 refrigerated pie crusts (1 package)
1/2 lb cooked ground beef
shredded lettuce
shredded cheese
taco sauce

Steps:

  • First, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Lay the pie crust out and, using a glass, cut out circles. These will be the taco shells for your salads.
  • Put each circle of crust into a muffin tin.
  • Bake the crusts for about nine minutes. They should be light brown.
  • Take them out of the oven and let them cool.
  • Now it's time to fill your taco shells. You can use shredded lettuce, cheese, taco sauce and ground beef, or anything else you would enjoy!
  • Bon Appetit!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468.9, Fat 29.3, SaturatedFat 10, Cholesterol 51, Sodium 458, Carbohydrate 31.2, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 2.7, Protein 18.5

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Lettuce: Use sturdy lettuce varieties like romaine or iceberg that can hold up well in a salad.
  • Make Your Own Taco Seasoning: It's easy to make your own taco seasoning at home using a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. This gives you more control over the flavor and heat level.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add a burst of flavor to your taco salad. Try to use ripe, in-season produce whenever possible.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Salad: Make sure there is enough lettuce and other ingredients in your salad so that each bite has a good balance of flavors and textures.
  • Add Some Heat: If you like a little heat in your taco salad, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce.
  • Make it a Complete Meal: Add some protein to your taco salad to make it a complete meal. Some popular options include ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans.

Conclusion:

Mini taco salads are a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a healthier and more convenient package. With their colorful layers of fresh ingredients and flavorful taco seasoning, these salads are sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck. So next time you're craving tacos, give these mini taco salads a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics