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Layered Taco Salad Recipe

4.7 from 55 reviews

This Layered Taco Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Layers of crisp iceberg lettuce, sweet corn, hearty black beans, savory taco meat, and a creamy ranch-salsa dressing come together with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh pico de gallo for a delightful Tex-Mex experience. It’s easy to prepare and great for serving a crowd, making it a versatile and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning

Salad

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce (chopped)
  • 1 can corn (drained, approx. 15 oz)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed, approx. 15 oz)
  • 3 cups cooked taco meat (ground beef or preferred protein, seasoned)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 cup pico de gallo
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, salsa, and ranch seasoning until fully combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Layer the salad: In a large bowl with high sides, place the chopped iceberg lettuce as the base. Layer the drained corn evenly over the lettuce, followed by the rinsed black beans, then the cooked taco meat.
  3. Add dressing and toppings: Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the taco meat layer. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese on top, then crush the tortilla chips over the cheese. Finally, add the fresh pico de gallo to finish the layering.
  4. Serve: When ready to serve, you can either toss the salad gently in the bowl to evenly coat everything with the dressing, or transfer the salad into a larger bowl and toss thoroughly to combine all layers and flavors before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the taco meat with cooked ground turkey or a plant-based protein to suit dietary preferences.
  • For extra freshness, add sliced avocado or jalapeños to the layers.
  • Use your favorite salsa style (mild, medium, or hot) to adjust the heat level of the dressing.
  • Optional: garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.

Keywords: layered taco salad, taco salad recipe, Mexican salad, easy taco salad, party salad, Tex-Mex salad