Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (30g, 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 200g (2 cups) Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 150g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150g (1 cup) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 50g (1 cup) corn kernels, fresh or canned
- 100g (1 medium) red onion, finely chopped
- 150g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 60g (2 oz) tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 60ml (1/4 cup) sour cream
- 60ml (1/4 cup) lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 45ml (3 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 5g (1 tsp) sea salt
- 2g (1/2 tsp) black pepper
- Cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
In a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 60ml (1/4 cup) water. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Once fully cooked and seasoned, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assembling the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and red onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients well. Add the cooked meat mixture over the top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
Step 3: Making the Avocado Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. If the dressing is too thick, you can add more lime juice or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combining and Serving
Drizzle the avocado dressing over the taco salad. Gently toss the salad to ensure even distribution of all ingredients and dressing. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Conclusion
Congratulations on crafting a dish that celebrates the vibrant fusion of Mexican flavors and wholesome ingredients. This Taco Salad with Avocado Dressing not only delights with its colorful presentation but also intrigues with the complex harmony of textures and tastes. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a hearty meal alone, this recipe invites you to explore and get creative with toppings or adjustments to personal preference. As you continue to experiment in the kitchen, let this recipe be a testament to the sheer joy found in combining fresh ingredients to create something truly special.
