Taco salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best elements of Tex-Mex cuisine. Sue’s Taco Salad recipe is a delightful combination of seasoned ground beef, crunchy nacho-flavored tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this delicious salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- ½ (14.5 ounce) package nacho-flavor tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- ½ cup ranch-style salad dressing
- 1 chopped tomato
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
Directions
- Cooking the Ground Beef: Begin by placing the ground beef in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef, stirring frequently to crumble it, until it is well done. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and set the meat aside to cool slightly.
- Preparing the Chips: While the beef is cooling, place the nacho-flavored tortilla chips into a large bowl. Crush them into bite-sized pieces. This adds a delightful crunch to the salad and infuses it with a burst of flavor.
- Combining the Ingredients: In the large bowl with the crushed chips, add the seasoned meat, shredded Cheddar cheese, drained kidney beans, chopped tomato, chopped lettuce, and chopped green onion. Toss everything together to combine well. The mix of textures and flavors is what makes this salad so special.
- Adding the Dressing: Finally, pour the ranch-style salad dressing over the top of the salad. Toss the salad again to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. This creamy addition brings all the flavors together, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Serving: Serve the salad immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh, while the chips are still crunchy and the vegetables crisp.
Tips for Perfect Taco Salad
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Fresh vegetables, good quality ground beef, and a flavorful cheese will elevate your salad.
- Customizing the Salad: Feel free to customize the salad to your liking. You can add other ingredients such as black olives, jalapeños, avocado, or corn to make it your own.
- Dressing Choices: While the recipe calls for ranch-style dressing, you can experiment with other dressings like a tangy Catalina or a zesty lime vinaigrette to switch things up.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with a meatless alternative or more beans. Black beans or pinto beans work well as substitutes.
- Keeping It Crunchy: If you’re not serving the salad immediately, keep the chips separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Nutritional Benefits
Taco salad can be a nutritious meal, especially if you include a variety of fresh vegetables. Lean ground beef provides protein and iron, while the kidney beans add fiber and additional protein. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, and lettuce provides a good source of vitamins A and K. The cheese adds calcium and some healthy fats, but be mindful of the portion size to keep the salad balanced.
Pairing Suggestions
Sue’s Taco Salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are a few suggestions to complement your meal:
- Sides: Serve with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips, a bowl of Mexican rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
- Beverages: A chilled margarita or a cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo makes a great accompaniment. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing limeade or iced tea.
- Desserts: Follow your meal with a light dessert like churros, flan, or a fruit salad.
Conclusion
Sue’s Taco Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual gathering, this salad is sure to impress. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine with this easy-to-make and delightful taco salad.
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Sue’s Taco Salad: A Flavorful and Satisfying Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sue’s Taco Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This salad combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing to create a satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg