Taco salad is the twist on Taco Tuesday you didn\u2019t know you needed. It\u2019s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This dish has a base of crisp and refreshing lettuce and is topped with juicy, seasoned ground beef, rich shredded cheese, and crunchy, nacho-flavored tortilla chips. It is all tied together with a tangy Catalina dressing. It\u2019s a brilliant way to use up pantry staples and fresh produce that makes it come together in a snap.<\/p>\n
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for six to eight minutes or until it is no longer pink. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer while uncovered for four to six minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool slightly.<\/p>\n
In a large bowl, toss the torn iceberg lettuce with the shredded cheddar cheese. Top the lettuce mixture with the cooked beef and broken nacho-flavored tortilla chips. Drizzle the Catalina salad dressing over the top and toss the salad to combine all the ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately and add the optional diced tomatoes, black beans, cubed avocado, and salsa or pico de gallo for topping.<\/p>\n
It’s best to keep the components separate to maintain freshness and texture when storing this taco salad recipe. Store the cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce, cheese and other toppings in separate containers and wait to combine them until just before serving to prevent sogginess.<\/p>\n
Freezing taco salad isn\u2019t recommended as the lettuce and other fresh ingredients can become soggy and lose their texture. However, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Simply thaw and reheat the beef before assembling your fresh ingredients when ready to use.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can make taco salad at least partly ahead of time by prepping the ingredients separately. Cook and season the beef, shred the cheese and prepare any additional toppings. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Simply toss the ingredients together for a quick meal when ready to serve.<\/p>\n
Start by warming the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish. Be sure to reheat only the beef and not the lettuce or other fresh toppings to maintain the freshness and texture.\u00a0 Combine it with the cold ingredients once the beef is heated and serve immediately.<\/p>\n
For a heartier meal, pair this taco salad recipe with a side of Mexican rice<\/a> or spicy refried beans<\/a>. You can also try topping your taco salad with black bean corn salsa<\/a> or zucchini pico de gallo salsa<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to pass the tortilla chips!<\/p>\n Although the combination of warm, seasoned ground beef and crisp, cold lettuce can\u2019t be beat, whether you eat this salad warm or cold is certainly a matter of personal preference.<\/p>\n Taco salads are often mistakenly considered healthy by virtue of being called a salad. In reality, the\u00a0 beef, cheese, dressing and tortilla chips do add extra calories and carbs. However, if you are following a healthier diet and still love to indulge in the occasional taco salad, take heart! You can easily swap out some of the more caloric ingredients with healthier options like avocado, black or pinto beans, tomatoes, low-fat cheese and a low-fat dressing. You can also replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey. Be sure to check out these healthy Mexican recipes<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n For a low-carb taco salad, swap out the nacho-flavored tortilla chips for crushed pork rinds or simply omit them to reduce carbs. Increase the amount of low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers and spinach for added nutrition and crunch. Opt for a homemade dressing made with olive oil, lime juice, and herbs or use a store-bought low-carb dressing. While cheese is relatively low in carbs, use it sparingly to keep the overall carb count lower. Consider leaving out the beans or using a smaller portion if you are strictly watching your carb intake. Incorporate avocado to add creaminess and healthy fats without contributing many carbs.<\/p>\n To make taco salad kid-friendly, consider using milder seasonings for the ground beef to suit their taste preferences. Use colorful and familiar vegetables like cherry tomatoes, corn and shredded carrots to make the salad more visually appealing. Offer a variety of toppings such as cheese, mild salsa and sliced olives, allowing kids to customize their own salads. Using smaller, bite-sized pieces of lettuce and other ingredients can make the salad easier for little hands to manage. Additionally, serving the salad with a side of plain tortilla chips or turning it into a fun taco bowl can make the meal more exciting for children.<\/p>\n Taco salad can be gluten-free if you choose the right ingredients. The core components are ground beef, lettuce, cheese and vegetables and these are naturally gluten-free. However, some taco seasonings and dressings may contain gluten so check the labels or use gluten-free versions. Opt for gluten-free tortilla chips to ensure the entire salad remains gluten-free. By carefully selecting your ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free taco salad.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This taco salad combines cold lettuce, warm seasoned beef and crunchy chips with a tangy Catalina dressing for a crowd-pleasing twist on taco night. It is a quick and zesty meal for a busy weeknight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8065,"featured_media":2041018,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304032,307308,304328,305271,305487,304338,306600,303966,307320,303887,306848,307684,304297,304268,307307,305383,305374,304350,324623,306571,304020,304005,306630,303883,307614],"categories-v2":[308623,310347,312469,308984,308481,309216,310796,308992,312496,308495,310362,308478,309603,310659,308308,259483,310342,309391,309381,309001,309177,312458,308594,308549,312564,308476,312574,310591],"coauthors":[343536],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Easy Beef Taco Skillet","post_link":"\/recipes\/easy-beef-taco-skillet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Easy-Beef-Taco-Skillet_EXPS_TOHD25_45278_JonathanMelendez_04.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ground Beef Taco 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Salad","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-09-05","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT15M","totalTime":"PT30M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Easy-Ground-Beef-Taco-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_175295_AlejandroMonfort_14.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Lunch"],"description":"This taco salad combines cold lettuce, warm seasoned beef and crunchy chips with a tangy Catalina dressing for a crowd-pleasing twist on taco night. It is a quick and zesty meal for a busy weeknight.","recipeIngredient":["1 pound ground beef","1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning","3\/4 cup water","1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn (about 8 cups)","2 cups shredded cheddar cheese","2 cups broken nacho-flavored tortilla chips","1\/4 cup Catalina salad dressing","Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, black beans, cubed avocado, salsa or pico de gallo"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the beef","text":"In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for six to eight minutes or until it is no longer pink. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer while uncovered for four to six minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool slightly."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Assemble the salad","text":"In a large bowl, toss the torn iceberg lettuce with the shredded cheddar cheese. Top the lettuce mixture with the cooked beef and broken nacho-flavored tortilla chips. Drizzle the Catalina salad dressing over the top and toss the salad to combine all the ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately and add the optional diced tomatoes, black beans, cubed avocado, and salsa or pico de gallo for topping."}],"recipeYield":"6 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joy Manning"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 416 calories","fatContent":"27g fat (12g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"86mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"830mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"19g carbohydrate (7g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"25g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.6875,"reviewCount":16,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"North America, Mexican","video":{"@type":"VideoObject","name":"Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad","description":"Check out this video for how to make Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad.","thumbnailUrl":["http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/v2\/media\/rFrkiWTF\/poster.jpg?width=720"],"uploadDate":"2021-05-4 01:06:41","duration":"P0DT0H1M11S","contentUrl":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/videos\/rFrkiWTF-OOHHzDJg.mp4"},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-07-09","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Jeanna"},"reviewBody":"We make this all the time and it\u2019s really good. I add an onion, green peppers, tomatoes, and kidney beans, making it even more filling and diverse.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-07-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ms11145"},"reviewBody":"Great basic salad. Then I add green\/red peppers, chopped red onion, a can of chili beans and chopped tomatoes. Great for potlucks","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-09-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Connie426"},"reviewBody":" I couldn't find iceberg lettuce so I used green leaf \ud83e\udd6c lettuce. Ate it with red rice. It was delicious.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-07-19","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeCoathanger"},"reviewBody":"I've been making this salad for well over 30 years. A family favorite.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-02-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"SandraAnneA"},"reviewBody":" Always have loved this recipe for too many years. The Catalina dressing makes this the super salad --or mainn entree-- it is. Think this originally also used Doritos.<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-01-25","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeQuill"},"reviewBody":"When I make my Taco Salad, I add tomatoes, olives, green chiles, and other taco \"toppings\". But I wanted to make it as written and it's amazing! Funny how sometimes recipes with just a few simple ingredients can be the best!! Didn't miss any of those extras! Perfect as is!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-01-04","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveBlowdryer"},"reviewBody":"I have made this as written several times for my family and they love it! Today my two year old tried it and ate the whole serving in his bowl. What a great dinner- easy and quick!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-04-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PurpleToast"},"reviewBody":"This is the way I have been making taco salad for years and we love it. I have used both Catalina dressing and French dressing. I think we prefer the French but it depends which I have on hand. I also always add chopped onions since we love onions. Have also added tomatoes.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-08-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveBox"},"reviewBody":"We really liked this. It was so easy to make. I did change the dressing to one I remembered from another taco salad so that I wouldn't have to buy a salad dressing we don't use. I just added some taco seasoning to some mayonnaise and thinned it with a little milk. All of this is to taste. I make my own taco seasoning to cut down on the salt and it works great in both the meat and the dressing.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-04-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanMustache"},"reviewBody":"I add diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper and a drained can of kidney or black beans when I am fixing this for \"fancy\". If you like it a little spicier, hold back some of the taco seasonings and mix them into the dressing...I use Thousand Island if I'm out of the other two. Also, try Cool Ranch Taco Chips!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-04-20","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GoldPlanet"},"reviewBody":"Wow--this recipe is so easy and versatile. We added sliced olives, chopped green onion, fresh diced green peppers and fresh diced tomatoes. You can add whatever you have available. I liked the suggestion of adding black beans. When I was growing up we often used Catalina dressing, and I forgot how much I loved it! Thanks, Lori, for good memories and easy prep.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-05-01","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PurpleBullhorn"},"reviewBody":"I made this for dinner and substituted Morning Star Crumbles for the ground beef.I added small white beans and mandarin oranges. Thanks, Lori for the quick and easy recipe.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-02-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveSword"},"reviewBody":"Good. I used ground turkey instead and it was fine!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-04-18","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveBeer"},"reviewBody":"This was quick to make and very good.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-05-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OrangeCherries"},"reviewBody":"Hubby didn't eat it enthusiastically & I couldn't find a healthful version of Doritos, so did without.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-04-14","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"RedHammer"},"reviewBody":"I used ground turkey and also added one can of diced tomatoes with green chilis. Easy and delicious!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"title":"Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad","description":"Check out this video for how to make Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad.","url":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/EasyGroundBeefTacoSalad_DIYD_175295_041221_H.mp4","duration":"71","mime_type":"video\/mp4","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/exps175295_TH153341B11_12_8b-2.jpg","advertising":true,"jw_id":"rFrkiWTF","jw_url":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/videos\/rFrkiWTF-OOHHzDJg.mp4","jw_thmub_url":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/v2\/media\/rFrkiWTF\/poster.jpg?width=720","jw_publish_date":"05\/04\/2021"},"rms_legacy_id":"175295","romance_copy_dek":"This taco salad combines cold lettuce, warm seasoned beef and crunchy chips with a tangy Catalina dressing for a crowd-pleasing twist on taco night. It is a quick and zesty meal for a busy weeknight.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 pound ground beef","IngredientText":"1 pound ground beef"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning","IngredientText":"1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3\/4 cup water","IngredientText":"3\/4 cup water"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn (about 8 cups)","IngredientText":"1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn (about 8 cups)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups shredded cheddar cheese","IngredientText":"2 cups shredded cheddar cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups broken nacho-flavored tortilla chips","IngredientText":"2 cups broken nacho-flavored tortilla chips"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 cup Catalina salad dressing","IngredientText":"1\/4 cup Catalina salad dressing"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, black beans, cubed avocado, salsa or pico de gallo","IngredientText":"Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, black beans, cubed avocado, salsa or pico de gallo"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Easy-Ground-Beef-Taco-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_175295_AlejandroMonfort_14.jpg","RecipeId":175295,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Alejandro Monfort for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":"[dam-video dam-id=\"41967\"]","RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Easy-Ground-Beef-Taco-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_175295_AlejandroMonfort_14.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Lori","Lastname":"Buntrock","City":"Wis. 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Is taco salad good for you?<\/h3>\n
How can I make taco salad low carb?<\/h3>\n
What are some tips for making taco salad kid-friendly?<\/h3>\n
Is taco salad gluten-free?<\/h3>\n
Taco Salad Tips<\/h2> \r\n\r\n
What sides go well with taco salad?<\/h3> \r\nFor a heartier meal, pair this taco salad recipe with a side of Mexican rice<\/a> or spicy refried beans<\/a>. You can also try topping your taco salad with black bean & corn salsa<\/a> or zucchini pico de gallo salsa<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to pass the tortilla chips!\r\n\r\n
Should taco salad be warm or cold?<\/h3> \r\nAlthough the combination of warm, seasoned ground beef and crisp, cold lettuce can\u2019t be beat, whether you eat this salad warm or cold is certainly a matter of personal preference. \r\n\r\n
Can taco salad be made in advance?<\/h3> \r\nYes, you can make taco salad in advance. Simply store the cooked beef, torn lettuce, shredded cheese and salad dressing in the fridge. When ready to assemble, toss the items together with the broken tortilla chips. If you like, gently heat the prepared taco meat in the microwave separately before adding to the salad. \r\n\r\n
Is taco salad good for you?<\/h3> \r\nTaco salads are often mistakenly considered healthy by virtue of being called a salad. In reality, beef, cheese, dressing and tortilla chips do add extra calories and carbs. However, if you are following a healthier diet and still love to indulge in the occasional taco salad, take heart! You can easily swap out some of the more caloric ingredients with healthier options like avocado, black or pinto beans, tomatoes, low-fat cheese and a low-fat dressing. You can also replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey. Be sure to check out these healthy Mexican recipes<\/a>, too.","Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. \u2014Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 4-6 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" In a large bowl, toss lettuce with cheese. Top with beef mixture and chips; drizzle with dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately with toppings as desired.","SequenceNo":2}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[{"Name":"Course","ID":0},{"Name":"Beef Salads","ID":94882},{"Name":"Green Salad Recipes","ID":94926},{"Name":"Main Dish Salad Recipes","ID":94942},{"Name":"Salads","ID":94286},{"Name":"Southwest Salads","ID":94970},{"Name":"Taco Salads","ID":94978}],"Cuisine":[{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Mexican Recipes","ID":89736},{"Name":"Mexican Salad Recipes","ID":89780}],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[{"Name":"Holiday & Celebration Recipes","ID":0},{"Name":"Baby Shower Recipes","ID":104174},{"Name":"Bridal Shower Recipes","ID":104186},{"Name":"Cinco de Mayo Recipes","ID":104230},{"Name":"Cinco de Mayo Salad Recipes","ID":104246}],"Ingredients":[{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":0},{"Name":"Beef Recipes","ID":100413},{"Name":"Quick Beef Dinner Recipes","ID":100433},{"Name":"Salad Greens","ID":102033}],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[{"Name":"Publication","ID":0},{"Name":"All Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107457},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107265},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Salad Recipes","ID":107493}],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Quick","ID":304350},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Mexican","ID":305383},{"Name":"North America","ID":305374},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Garden Salads","ID":306600},{"Name":"Salads","ID":306571},{"Name":"Taco Salads","ID":306630},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"Appliances","ID":304032},{"Name":"Skillet","ID":304020},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Beef","ID":307308},{"Name":"Ground Beef ","ID":307320},{"Name":"Lettuce","ID":307684},{"Name":"Meat & Poultry","ID":307307},{"Name":"Vegetables","ID":307614},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Lunch","ID":304297},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":16,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1-2\/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. ","NoOfRatings":16,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Easy-Ground-Beef-Taco-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_175295_AlejandroMonfort_14.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Easy-Ground-Beef-Taco-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_175295_AlejandroMonfort_14.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[{"TipType":"Test Kitchen Tips (Q&A)","TipTitle":"","TipText":"
Taco Salad Tips<\/h2>
What sides go well with taco salad?<\/h3> For a heartier meal, pair this taco salad recipe with a side of Mexican rice<\/a> or spicy refried beans<\/a>. You can also try topping your taco salad with black bean & corn salsa<\/a> or zucchini pico de gallo salsa<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to pass the tortilla chips!
Should taco salad be warm or cold?<\/h3> Although the combination of warm, seasoned ground beef and crisp, cold lettuce can\u2019t be beat, whether you eat this salad warm or cold is certainly a matter of personal preference.
Can taco salad be made in advance?<\/h3> Yes, you can make taco salad in advance. Simply store the cooked beef, torn lettuce, shredded cheese and salad dressing in the fridge. When ready to assemble, toss the items together with the broken tortilla chips. If you like, gently heat the prepared taco meat in the microwave separately before adding to the salad.
Is taco salad good for you?<\/h3> Taco salads are often mistakenly considered healthy by virtue of being called a salad. In reality, beef, cheese, dressing and tortilla chips do add extra calories and carbs. However, if you are following a healthier diet and still love to indulge in the occasional taco salad, take heart! You can easily swap out some of the more caloric ingredients with healthier options like avocado, black or pinto beans, tomatoes, low-fat cheese and a low-fat dressing. You can also replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey. Be sure to check out these healthy Mexican recipes<\/a>, too."}]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43644,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312458,"name":"Salads","slug":"salads","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312393,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Don't think you like salads? Think again. Try one of our delicious recipes for potato, pasta, lettuce, rice and a whole bunch of other salad varieties.","parent":310796,"count":4182,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/"},{"term_id":312469,"name":"Beef Salads","slug":"beef-salads","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312404,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Looking for recipes for beef salads? Taste Recipes has the best beef salads recipes from real cooks like you, featuring reviews, ratings, how-to videos and tips.","parent":312458,"count":77,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/beef-salads\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\n