Description
Make this fresh and flavorful taco salad quickly for a family-friendly weeknight meal. It features seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a simple homemade zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- In a very large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, black olives, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add the slightly cooled seasoned ground beef to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour the zesty dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- For a crunchy variation, crush 2 cups of plain tortilla chips or Doritos and gently fold them into the salad just before serving.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, substitute Catalina dressing for the homemade version.
- This salad keeps well for meal prep; store the dressing separately and combine just before eating.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 23
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 95