Creamy Taco Salad
A delicious and hearty taco-inspired salad served in crispy tortilla bowls, topped with creamy dressing and vibrant toppings.
Ingredients
Tortilla Bowls
- 4 pieces 10-inch flour tortillas For making the bowls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For brushing the tortillas
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 8 ounces can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chopped romaine hearts
- 16 ounces can black beans Drained and rinsed
- 4.5 ounces can sliced black olives 2 cans
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese Can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack
- 1 large red onion, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 ounces can green chiles, drained
- 1 pint chopped grape tomatoes
- 2.5 ounces package nacho chips For topping
Dressing
- ½ cup salsa
- ¾ cup creamy ranch dressing
Instructions
Make the Tortilla Bowls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the flour tortillas with olive oil on both sides.
- Place the tortillas into an oven-safe bowl, shaping them to form a bowl.
- Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
Make the Salad
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned.
- Add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce, mixing well. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, black beans, sliced olives, cheese, red onion, cilantro, green chiles, and grape tomatoes.
- Add the cooked beef mixture and toss everything together gently.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, mix the salsa and creamy ranch dressing until well combined.
Serve
- Serve the salad in the baked tortilla bowls.
- Drizzle with the salsa-ranch dressing and top with crushed nacho chips for an extra crunch.
Notes
For added flavor, consider topping the salad with avocado slices or jalapeños. You can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, best consumed within 2-3 days.