Taco Wedge Salad

by
Colorful Taco Wedge Salad with fresh toppings and ingredients

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Taco Wedge Salad is a fun twist on traditional salads and tacos. It combines the freshness of salad with the bold flavors of tacos, making it an exciting dish for any meal. This salad is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even a quick lunch. It is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients and flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers. You get crunch from the lettuce, creaminess from the avocado, and spice from the seasoned beef, all in one bite!

This recipe is also versatile. You can customize it to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you are a meat lover or prefer a vegetarian option, Taco Wedge Salad can be adapted. It’s great for entertaining, as it looks impressive when served as wedges on a platter. The layers of ingredients create a colorful and inviting presentation that will impress your guests.

HOW TO MAKE Taco Wedge Salad

Making Taco Wedge Salad is straightforward and doesn’t require special skills. You will enjoy making this dish as much as you do eating it. Follow these simple steps for a delicious salad that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (115 g) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce (outer leaves removed, cored, and quartered into 4 wedges)
  • 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ½ cup (80 g) red onion (finely diced)
  • 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
  • 1 large avocado (diced)
  • ½ cup (60 g) sliced black olives (drained)
  • ½ cup tortilla strips (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish, optional)
  • Jalapeños (sliced, for garnish, optional)

Directions

Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and kosher salt.
  2. Mix well until you have a smooth dressing.
  3. Set it aside while you prepare the salad.

Salad

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
  2. Drain any excess fat and add the taco seasoning and water.
  3. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  4. While the beef cooks, prepare the lettuce by quartering the head of iceberg lettuce into wedges.
  5. On a serving platter, arrange the lettuce wedges.
  6. Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the top of each wedge.
  7. Now, sprinkle on the cherry tomatoes, red onions, sharp cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and black olives.
  8. If you want to add some crunch, top each wedge with tortilla strips.
  9. Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños if desired.

HOW TO SERVE Taco Wedge Salad

Taco Wedge Salad is best served fresh. You can present it as individual wedges on a large platter or serve each wedge on a plate, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Encourage your guests to cut their wedges into smaller pieces and mix the toppings with the dressing for the best taste.

Serve it alongside your favorite tortilla chips or a side of guacamole for a perfect meal. This salad can be a main course or a fantastic side dish. Either way, it will be a hit!

HOW TO STORE Taco Wedge Salad

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the lettuce will start to go limp after a day.

If you want to prepare parts of the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately, as well as the cooked beef and salad toppings. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

The dressed salad will stay good in the fridge for about 1-2 days, but it’s likely best enjoyed the same day.

TIPS TO MAKE Taco Wedge Salad

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado for the best taste.
  2. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chipotle powder or leave out the jalapeños.
  3. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and beef in advance for a quicker assembly.
  4. Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.

VARIATIONS

Taco Wedge Salad is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to try:

  • Protein Swap: Instead of beef, use shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu.
  • Cheese Choices: Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or crumbled feta for a change.
  • Vegan: Make it vegan by using a plant-based mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and skipping the meat.
  • Add Fresh Veggies: Include corn, bell peppers, or cucumber for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Different Dressings: Experiment with ranch or a zesty vinaigrette instead of the creamy dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I make Taco Wedge Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and cook the beef in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.

2. What can I serve with Taco Wedge Salad?
This salad pairs well with tortilla chips, guacamole, or even some quesadillas for a complete meal.

3. Is Taco Wedge Salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free, but make sure to check the taco seasoning and tortilla strips for gluten content if you are sensitive to gluten. You can omit the tortilla strips to keep it gluten-free.

Taco Wedge Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures, and share this delightful dish with family and friends!