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Classic Taco Salad with Zippy Cilantro Dressing

This taco salad is loaded up with crisp lettuce, taco-seasoned beef, fresh corn, bright cherry tomatoes, zippy red onion, avocado slices, black beans, & a little cheese and some tortilla strips. And, for a 'lil something extra - the cilantro lime dressing is a 2-minute dream to whip up!
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Healthy Food
Keyword Easy Dinners, 30 Minute Meals
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Stephanie Simmons

Ingredients

For the Taco Meat

  • 4 tsp chili powder
  • 5 tsp paprika
  • 5 tsp cumin
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt more or less to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper more or less to taste
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp all-purpose flour See note
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Salad

  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cobs sweet corn
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1-2 large avocados, sliced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 a medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • cheddar cheese
  • tortilla strips

For the Cilantro Dressing

  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • A squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

  • Prep: Prep all veggies as noted in the ingredient list. If using corn on the cob, cook the corn using your favorite method, and slice the cooked corn off the cob. Substitute canned or frozen corn if desired.
  • Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing: Place all cilantro lime dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until combined. You may need to add an extra splash of water or olive oil to help it blend up.
  • Season + Cook the Taco Meat: Mix together the taco seasonings Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium heat, and begin breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until browned through. Combine the water and flour in a small jar and shake until mixed together. Add this to the taco meat, and cook, stirring, for another 4-6 minutes. This will make the meat nice and saucy. Once the meat is done, remove from the heat, and add to your salads!
  • Assemble: You can put all the ingredients out in individual bowls for a build-your-own taco salad situation, or you can build the salad in a serving bowl (pictured) and serve it that way!

Notes

Note: You can omit the flour or us GF cup-for-cup to keep this GF.