Taco Salad (Tex-Mex Style)

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Taco Salad (Tex-Mex Style)

A fresh, crunchy Tex-Mex-inspired salad with seasoned minced beef, crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and all your favourite taco toppings – quick, colourful, and full of flavour.

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine European, Mediterranean

Keyword taco, texmex, minced beef, salad, summer, quick meal, weeknight, healthy, tortilla chips, spicy

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 198kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad

500 g lean minced beef or turkey/chicken if preferred
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp taco seasoning packet or homemade – see below
1 tin kidney or black beans optional, drained and rinsed
1 large head romaine or iceberg lettuce washed and chopped
150 g grated cheddar cheese
1 small tin sliced black olives
1 cup cherry or Roma tomatoes halved
2 spring onions finely sliced
1 small cup cooked or grilled corn kernels

For the Crunch

A handful of tortilla chips or corn chips crushed slightly

Optional Toppings

Jalapeño slices
Red onion
Guacamole or sliced avocado
Fresh lime wedges
A drizzle of hot sauce

For the Dressing

3 tbsp sour cream
3 tbsp salsa or Pico de Gallo
or try avocado dressing, chipotle ranch, or a zesty cilantro-lime version

Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional)

1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Meat

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the 500 g lean minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Season

Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmer for 2–3 minutes until well coated. Add beans if using, and heat through.

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, sweetcorn, olives, and spring onions.

Assemble

Spoon the warm seasoned beef over the salad base. Top with grated cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and any optional extras you love.

Dress & Serve

Mix the sour cream with salsa (or your chosen dressing) and drizzle over the top. Finish with fresh lime juice and serve immediately.

Notes

Serving Ideas

Serve in individual bowls for a light lunch or in one big sharing bowl for a family-style dinner. Perfect for summer evenings or quick midweek meals.

Nutrition