Best 6 Southwestern Taco Salad Recipes

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

**Southwestern Taco Salad: A Flavorful Fusion of Mexican and American Cuisine**

Experience a culinary journey that blends the vibrant flavors of Mexican and American cuisine with the Southwestern Taco Salad. This tantalizing dish is a harmonious symphony of crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and a medley of fresh and flavorful toppings. Indulge in the delightful contrast of textures and the explosion of flavors in every bite.

Our collection of Southwestern Taco Salad recipes offers a diverse range of options to suit every palate. From classic recipes that stay true to the traditional flavors to innovative variations that introduce exciting twists, we've got you covered. Whether you prefer a mild or a spicy kick, a vegetarian or a meat-based version, we have the perfect recipe for you.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Southwestern Taco Salad recipes. Discover the perfect balance of bold and refreshing flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWESTERN TACO SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Southwestern Taco Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: avocado, cilantro, lime juice, low-fat greek yogurt, water, salt, garlic, cumin, olive oil, chicken breast, taco seasoning, romaine lettuce, cheddar jack, black beans, avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, tortilla strips

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Lunch

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 18

½ avocado
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ cup low-fat greek yogurt, plain
⅓ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon garlic
½ tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 chicken breast, diced
½ packet taco seasoning
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cheddar jack
1 cup black beans
1 avocado, diced
1 cup corn
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup tortilla strips

Steps:

  • To make the avocado cilantro lime salad dressing, combine all the ingredients for the dressing (avocado, cilantro, lime juice, greek yogurt, water, salt, garlic, and cumin) in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
  • Pour 1 tbsp of oil into a pan and bring up to medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and taco seasoning, stirring until all pieces are well-coated with the seasoning. Cook through and set aside.
  • Assemble your salad with a bed of chopped romaine lettuce on the bottom. Then, lay out each topping (chicken, cheddar jack cheese, black beans, avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, and tortilla strips) in rows or blend it all together.
  • Top off with the avocado salad dressing and cilantro then serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!

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.

SOUTHWESTERN TACO SALAD



Southwestern Taco Salad image

Forget the big salad bowl! Wow your table by serving this taco salad in restaurant-style tortilla bowls. Serve it as a starter or as a main dish--it's memorably delicious either way.

Provided by Knorr

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Knorr®

Time 27m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 (10 inch) burrito-size flour tortillas
4 cups shredded lettuce leaves
1 (5.6 ounce) package Knorr® Fiesta Sides™ - Spanish Rice, cooked according to package directions
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Press 1 tortilla into a 4-cup microwave-safe bowl to form bowl shape. Microwave at HIGH 1-1/2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute. Gently lift out and arrange on serving plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  • In saucepan used to cook Spanish Rice, combine rice, black beans and corn; heat through.
  • In tortilla bowls, evenly arrange lettuce. Evenly top with rice mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Top, if desired, with your favorite taco toppings such as chopped tomato, chopped avocado, salsa, sour cream and/or chopped fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 663.9 calories, Carbohydrate 85.3 g, Cholesterol 29.7 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 16.9 g, Protein 26.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 1347 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

SOUTHWESTERN TACO SALAD



Southwestern Taco Salad image

Categories     Salad     Pepper     Poultry     turkey     No-Cook     Avocado     Bell Pepper     Hot Pepper     Summer     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
3 cups roasted turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large avocado, halved, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
4 tostada crowns (bowls) or 8 taco shells

Steps:

  • Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and chipotle chiles in large bowl. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Add turkey, avocado, bell pepper, and onion to dressing. Toss to coat. Divide mixture among 4 tostada crowns or 8 taco shells and serve.

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 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

Tips:

  • To save time, use a pre-made taco seasoning mix. Ensure it's a good quality brand and adjust the amount used based on your taste preferences.
  • For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also use a combination of meats for a more flavorful taco filling.
  • Be generous with the toppings! The more toppings, the better. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado.
  • If you're using a store-bought salad dressing, check the label to ensure it doesn't contain any unwanted ingredients. You can also make your own dressing using olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs and spices.
  • For a more authentic taco salad, use freshly made corn tortillas. You can either fry them yourself or purchase them pre-fried from the store.

Conclusion:

The Southwestern taco salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover taco meat. With its vibrant flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give this Southwestern taco salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics