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Need a quick dinner that still feels like a party? This Taco Salad has it all—juicy seasoned meat, crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and that creamy hit of guacamole—all tossed together in one bowl of happiness.
In my house, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast. Fresh, fun, and so easy, it’s become my go-to weeknight crush. One bite and you are gonna be coming back for more.
A Little Fiesta in Every Bite
This Taco Salad isn’t just dinner—it’s a full-on love story in a bowl. Juicy, seasoned meat, crisp lettuce, bursts of sweet tomato, crunchy tortilla chips, and a creamy swirl of guacamole all tangled up together… every bite is pure magic.
It’s quick, playful, and endlessly customizable—the kind of taco salad I keep falling for, week after week. One taste and you’ll understand why I’m head over heels.
Taco Salad, Unwrapped
A great Taco Salad starts with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Here are the key components that make this recipe so satisfying.
- Extra Lean Beef Mince: Adds hearty, savory flavor and plenty of protein without excess fat.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: Brings that classic smoky, spiced kick that makes every bite pop.
- Cos Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it balances the richness of the meat and toppings.
- Ripe Avocado: The base for creamy guacamole that adds buttery texture and freshness.
Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Taco Salad
- Sauté the Veg: Heat a skillet over medium high with a little oil. Pan fry onion and red capsicum or bell pepper until softened.
- Brown the Beef: Add extra lean beef mince and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Stir in minced garlic and diced tomatoes.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle over taco seasoning and water, then stir to coat. Let the mixture simmer gently until thickened and well combined, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Guacamole: In a small bowl, mash avocado with Greek yoghurt and lemon juice.
- Finish the Guacamole. Season with salt to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot taco meat over the salad base. Top with generous dollops of guacamole, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Round out your taco salad with sides that add variety and balance. Try Garlic Prawns and Avocado Crostini for a light, flavorful starter, or Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges with Garlic Avocado Aioli for something warm and satisfying. If you’re feeding a crowd, Loaded Taco Grilled Cheese is a fun, cheesy addition that fits the same bold flavor profile.
Recipe FAQ’s
Packed with protein, fiber, and all the good stuff, this taco salad skips the heavy carbs while delivering a burst of Mexican flavor. Low in calories, big on taste—every bite feels healthy and flavorfull.
Extra lean beef mince is classic, but you can swap in ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based mince for a lighter option. Just be sure to season well with taco seasoning for that signature flavor.
Wash and dry your lettuce thoroughly, then store it wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed container. Only toss it with the meat and dressing right before serving to keep it from wilting.
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Easy Taco Salad
Ingredients
Taco Meat
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 red capsicum/bell pepper diced
- 1 lb extra lean beef mince
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1/4 cup water
Salad
- 1 bunch cos lettuce/or lettuce of choice
- 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 oz light mozzarella cheese
- Any other salad vegetables you like!
Guacamole!
- 1 ripe avocado
- 4 tablespoons low fat greek yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt to season
Instructions
- Pan fry onion and red capsicum/bell peppers until onion is soft
- Add the mince, and cook while stirring until browned, then add your garlic and tomatoes
- Cook stirring until the tomatoes soften, and sprinkle Taco seasoning over the meat along with the water
- Cook while stirring, and allow the mix to simmer gently for a further 5 minutes, or until the seasoning is beautifully combined into the meat.
- Prepare salad in a bowl with salad ingredients, and set aside.
- Combine the avocado, yoghurt, salt, lemon juice and garlic powder in a smaller bowl, and mash well until mixed through.
- Add the Taco meat to the salad, and top with the guacamole
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve it with crispy fried tortilla chips or a scoop of creamy guacamole on the side.
- Craving a little extra comfort? Wrap the meat and salad up in a warm flour tortilla for a hearty bite.
- And if you’re in the mood for some heat, a splash of Salsa Picante is all you need to take it over the top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
