Taco salad with salsa dressing is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings all the best elements of tacos into a hearty, crisp salad. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef or turkey, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh veggies, shredded cheese, and creamy avocado, all tossed together with a zesty salsa-based dressing that ties everything together with a spicy kick.
The base of this salad typically starts with a mix of crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce, offering the perfect crunch. Then come the taco toppings like juicy tomatoes, sliced red onions, corn, black beans, and jalapeños for some heat. The protein, usually seasoned ground beef, turkey, or even grilled chicken, adds that warm, savory bite that makes it filling and satisfying. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for extra beans or seasoned tofu.
What makes this salad shine is the salsa dressing. It’s a simple blend of salsa and either sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a touch of mayo to add creaminess. Lime juice, cumin, and garlic powder are often mixed in to boost the flavor even more. The result is a dressing that’s tangy, a little spicy, and perfectly complements the savory and crunchy elements of the salad.
Crushed tortilla chips or strips are sprinkled on top for that irresistible crunch, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend adds creamy, melty goodness. Avocado or guacamole brings a creamy, buttery texture that balances the bright flavors.
Taco salad with salsa dressing is perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a party spread where everyone can customize their bowl. It’s colorful, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your taste.
Pair it with an ice-cold cerveza, a margarita, or a sparkling lime water to round out the meal. This salad captures all the fun and flavor of taco night, no shell required while keeping things light, fresh, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup black beans rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped fresh
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet and stir well to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, black olives, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl and toss well to combine.
- Serve the salad with tortilla chips on the side.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Easy and quick! My kids ate it all. 👍
good recipe but I used chicken instead of beef. still tasty.
Not sure if tacos have salad in them. Isn’t that a bit weird?
Taco salad is great! It’s basically a salad with taco flavors. You should try it!
I dunno, salad in tacos sounds odd to me. How’s that even a thing??
Yum! But I forgot to put in the cheese. 😅
No worries! Cheddar cheese is great, but it still sounds delicious! 😊
This is the best taco salad I’ve ever made! Everyone loved it!
That sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it myself. How did you make the salsa?
I dunno, taco salad is just a bunch of stuff mixed together, right? What makes this one so special?
I thought it was too salty with the taco seasoning. Maybe use less next time.
My mom used to make a version of this. I fogot how good it was, but this recipe is easy!
Honestly, who puts salsa in a salad? 🤔
Idk, seems weird to me. I just stick to dressing like ranch. 🤷♂️
Salsa adds a nice flavor! You should give it a try! 😋
I dunno. It seems too complicated for a salad. Why not just eat tacos? 🤷♂️
This taco salad is the best! So easy to make and super tasty. My family loved it.
I made this last night and it was phenomenal! My kids couldn’t get enough of it!
Taco salad? Is that a thing? Sounds weird to me.
Meh, it was okay. I had to make my own salsa and it didn’t taste the same. 😕
Why didn’t u mention cooking the beef longer? It was pink and I had to put it back on the stove.
Tastes okay, but I feel like there should be more spice. Maybe add jalapenos next time?
Yum! But I added some avocado and corn, really made it pop! 🌽🥑
Avocado and corn sound delish! I gotta try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
I don’t get why folk like this. The beef overpowers everything! 😕
Yum! I added some avocado and it made it even better.
Avocado is such a great addition! I love how it adds creaminess. Got to try that next time!
I dunno, avocado in taco salad seems kinda weird to me. Just stick with the basics!
I dunno. My friend said it was too much meat and not enough vegetables. 🤔
I tried this but it was way too salty! I think the taco seasoning just ruins it.
This taco salad was a hit at our family dinner! So easy to make and delicious. Definitely making it again!
Yum! I added some avocado and jalapeños. So good. Will be making this again for sure!
Easy recipe but I accidentally left out olives and it turned out great anyway!
Best taco salad ever! My kids loved it and clean their plates. Will make again!
Yum! I topped it with guacamole too, which made it even better! 🥑
Taco salad? More like taco mess! It was hard to eat with those chips. Not a fan.
Not a fan. Just didn’t taste right to me. Maybe I did it wrong.
Meh. It was alright, but not enough flavor for me. Maybe more spices?
Dude, you forgot the sour cream! That’s like the best part!
Oh wow, you’re totally right! Sour cream makes everything better! Gotta add it next time.
I dunno, won’t it just make it soggy? I think it’s fine without it.
This was fantastic! So quick and easy to make.
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s super easy and perfect for a busy weeknight.
UR recipe is confusing! Can i just put beef in without draining? 😕
Taco salad? Thought it was just a gimmick. But surprisingly good!
Easy recipe and the ingredients are cheap, love it! 🌮
Question. Do I have to use ground beef? What about chicken? Or beans only?
Super easy and fun! Made this for my friends and they loved it! 🥳
I added some avocado and it made all the difference! Yum!
Such a quick meal! Perfect for busy nights, I threw it together in no time.
I tried this last night, and my kids loved it! Super easy and tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Soooo good! I didn’t have black beans so I used pinto instead and it worked just fine. Love it!
I wasn’t sure about putting salsa in a salad. Seems weird but it turned out good.
Taco salad? Sounds confusing. Why no tacos? Are the chips the taco? 🤔
Taco salad is like a deconstructed taco! The chips are just for crunch and fun. 🍽️
I dunno, it seemed a bit bland to me. Needs more spices or something.
Wasn’t very flavorful… I added way more salsa and spices to it, didn’t really impress me.
My husband loves tacos and he devoured this! He said it’s his new fave meal. Thank you!
Taco salad? I don’t know, sounds kinda weird. Can’t salad just be salad without tacos?
That sounds delicious! I love how easy it is to make. I’m definitely trying this for my family.
I lived in Mexico and never seen a salad like this. But it was ok.
I made this for my kids and they said it was a hit! Definitely making it again.
Just perfect for game night! Easy to make and everyone liked it. 👍
Game night just got better! Can’t wait to try this. 👍
This is my go-to recipe for taco salad! So easy and tasty! My kids love it too!
I like the idea but too many ingredients. My kids didn’t eat it.
I get it, lots of ingredients can be overwhelming sometimes! Have you tried simplifying the recipe? Maybe leave out a couple things next time!
Pshhh, my kids love it! They just gotta get used to it. Maybe try less seasoning or something?
Easy to make and super filling! I love the combo of flavors. Definitely a keeper! 🤤✨
My friend made this and it was sooo good! She said it was super easy too.
Can I replace the beef with chicken? 🤔 Looking for options.
Yes, you can definitely use chicken instead of beef! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly. 😋
Quick meals are the best! Just wish I could find good tortilla chips.
Easy recipe, but I think ground turkey would be better than beef.
Great for potlucks! Everyone loved it, tastes even better than it looks!
Taco salad?! It’s just a messed up taco with lettuce. Not impressed. 🌮🤨
Yumm!!! Just the right crunchiness with the chips. I added avocado too 💚
This taco salad is awesome! My family loved it! Will definitely make again.
The olivers are gross. I didn’t put them in. Should I have tho? Idk.
TASTY!
I totally agree! This is one of my favorites. Perfect for summer barbecues!
This was delish! My kids loved it! Will def make again.
So glad your kids loved it! It’s always a win when they eat their veggies. 👍
This is the best taco salad I have ever had! The salsa dressing is genius! 5 stars!