Description
Hearty seven-layer taco salad combines Mexican-inspired layers of fresh ingredients for a crowd-pleasing meal. Crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and zesty toppings create a delicious dish perfect for gatherings or quick dinners you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Base:
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans or 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor-enhancing sour cream mixture by blending ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the sour cream until thoroughly combined.
- Create the base layer by evenly spreading refried beans or seasoned ground beef across the bottom of a 9×13 inch serving dish.
- Carefully spread the seasoned sour cream over the bean or beef foundation, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Distribute salsa across the sour cream layer, allowing it to create a vibrant and zesty foundation.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, covering the salsa completely for a rich, melty texture.
- Gently cascade crisp, shredded lettuce over the cheese layer, creating a fresh and crunchy element.
- Scatter diced tomatoes across the lettuce, adding bright color and juicy freshness to the salad.
- Garnish the top with sliced black olives and chopped green onions, providing visual appeal and additional flavor complexity.
- Accompany the layered salad with crispy tortilla chips for scooping and enjoying each delectable layer.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa based on personal heat preferences.
- Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Prepare components separately and chill for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and create a refreshing party dish.
- Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to create a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg