Best 6 Southwest Taco Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our tantalizing Southwest Taco Salad recipe that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and colors. This delectable salad combines the best of Tex-Mex cuisine, featuring a bed of crisp lettuce topped with a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together. And that's not all! This recipe article also includes a bonus Vegetarian Taco Salad recipe for those who prefer a meatless option, along with a delicious Guacamole recipe to complement your salad perfectly. Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with our Southwest Taco Salad and its accompanying recipes that promise to satisfy every palate!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWESTERN-FLAVORED GROUND BEEF OR TURKEY FOR TACOS & SALAD



Southwestern-Flavored Ground Beef or Turkey for Tacos & Salad image

With Southwestern-Flavored Ground Beef, you can simultaneously make tonight's dinner and tomorrow's lunch. Just save out and refrigerate some of the taco meat and fixings such as shredded cheese and lettuce, plus chopped scallions and tomatoes. A good-looking salad like this will draw potential lunch traders. More likely than not, they'll be out of luck.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup cornmeal

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet until shimmering. Add onion; saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin; saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beef or turkey and cook, stirring often, until it loses its raw color. Stir in tomatoes; simmer to blend flavors, about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cornmeal; cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens, almost instantly. Cool and refrigerate (or serve warm for dinner as tacos or taco salad).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Carbohydrate 7.9 g, Cholesterol 84.4 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 30.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 344.6 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN TACO SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Taco Salad image

Dinner in 30 minutes is a breeze when you start with cooked and seasoned chicken breast strips from the freezer.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 bag (10 oz) romaine and leaf lettuce blend
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1 1/2 packages (9 oz each) frozen cooked southwestern-seasoned chicken breast strips, thawed
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
4 plum (Roma) tomatoes, cut into quarters
1 cup chili-flavored corn chips, slightly crushed
2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)

Steps:

  • In small bowl, beat dressing ingredients with wire whisk until well blended.
  • In large bowl, mix salad ingredients except corn chips. Add dressing; toss until coated. Sprinkle with corn chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 115 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 3 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1290 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

SOUTHWESTERN TACO SALAD



Southwestern Taco Salad image

I came across this recipe while spending a winter in Arizona. Now as soon as we return home each spring, our grandchildren are waiting for me to make these refreshing salads. To save time, bake the salad shells in the morning. Cool: store in an airtight container.-Betty Johnson, Olympia, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 packages (5.6 ounces each) refrigerated taco salad shells
3 bacon strips, diced
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 large onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
8 cups shredded lettuce
Toppings: chopped tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, olives

Steps:

  • Prepare taco salad shells according to package directions; set aside. , In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, cook beef, onions, garlic and seasonings over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in beans; heat through., Spoon about 1/3 cup meat mixture into each salad shell. Top with the lettuce and remaining meat mixture; sprinkle with bacon. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 732mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

SPEEDY SOUTHWEST SALAD



Speedy Southwest Salad image

I used leftover corn and black beans I had in the fridge to throw together this simple layered salad. It's a big time-saver because it requires little chopping and features a quick dressing. The crunchy combination is always in demand at our house. -Kara Ann Goff, Loveland, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (10 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup picante sauce
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Steps:

  • Place the greens in a large salad bowl. Top with corn and beans. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing and picante sauce; spoon over vegetables; toss to coat. Sprinkle with tortilla chips, cheese and tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Fat 16g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 709mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

SOUTHWESTERN BLT TACO SALAD



Southwestern BLT Taco Salad image

The best of both worlds-BLTs and tacos in one sensational salad!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup southwest ranch sour cream dip
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1/2 cup chopped precooked bacon
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
4 plum (Roma) tomatoes, each cut into 8 pieces
1 bag (10 oz) ready-to-eat romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1 cup chili cheese-flavored corn chips

Steps:

  • In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed.
  • In large bowl, mix sour cream dip and salsa. Stir in beef mixture, bacon and olives. Gently fold in tomatoes and lettuce.
  • Divide salad among 4 individual plates. Sprinkle with cheese and chips. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 520, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 120 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 3 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1790 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g

SOUTHWESTERN TACO PASTA SALAD RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Southwestern Taco Pasta Salad Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by SemiDomesticatedMama

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 box penne pasta, cooked
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 carton grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced green pepper
1 jar (16oz) chunky salsa, medium
1 pkt taco seasoning
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • In large bowl, toss together pasta, beans, corn, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, and green peppers. Sprinkle taco seasoning over top; mix well. Pour salsa over pasta and mix well. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese before serving.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. There are many different ways to make a taco salad, so feel free to add your own personal touch.
  • Make sure to drain the black beans and corn well before adding them to the salad. This will help to prevent the salad from getting watery.
  • If you're using a store-bought taco seasoning mix, be sure to taste it first. Some mixes can be quite salty, so you may want to adjust the amount you use.
  • Serve the salad immediately after assembling it. This will help to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Conclusion:

Taco salad is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover taco meat, and it's also a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. With so many different ways to make it, there's sure to be a taco salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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