Easy Taco Salad Recipes

Classic Beef Taco Salad

This classic taco salad is quick enough for weeknight dinners and easy enough for beginning cooks. Seasoned ground beef is layered with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and your favorite toppings for a colorful meal everyone can customize.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or one packet taco seasoning
• 6 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can kidney or black beans, drained (optional)
• 1 small can sliced black olives
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
• Salsa, ranch dressing or sour cream for serving

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly coated and most of the liquid has evaporated.
3. Wash and shred the lettuce while the meat cooks.
4. Prepare the tomatoes, cheese, beans and olives.
5. Spread the lettuce into a large serving bowl.
6. Top with the warm taco meat followed by the remaining ingredients.
7. Sprinkle tortilla chips over the salad just before serving to keep them crunchy.
8. Serve with salsa, ranch dressing or sour cream.

Doritos Taco Salad

One of the most popular potluck salads, Doritos Taco Salad combines seasoned beef, crisp vegetables and crunchy nacho cheese chips. Wait until serving time to stir in the chips so they stay crisp.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 large head lettuce, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 (9 to 10 ounce) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
• 3/4 to 1 cup ranch or Catalina dressing, added to taste

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef until no longer pink.
2. Season the meat with taco seasoning.
3. Allow the meat to cool slightly.
4. Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, beans and olives in a large serving bowl.
5. Add the seasoned beef.
6. Serve the dressing on the side, or toss in only as much dressing as needed immediately before serving.
7. Fold in the crushed Doritos immediately before serving.

Chicken Taco Salad

This hearty chicken taco salad is packed with colorful vegetables, tender chicken and plenty of protein. It makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner and is a great way to use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: None (using cooked chicken)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 6 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced and tossed with a little lemon or lime juice
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, drained
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salsa, ranch dressing or sour cream for serving

Directions

1. Wash and prepare the lettuce and vegetables.
2. Place the lettuce into a large serving bowl.
3. Add the chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn and avocado.
4. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
5. Toss gently or leave the ingredients in rows for a colorful presentation.
6. Serve with salsa, ranch dressing or sour cream.

Taco Salad with Chili

Leftover chili makes an excellent topping for taco salad. The rich chili replaces seasoned taco meat while adding extra beans and bold flavor. This is a great way to transform leftovers into an entirely new meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (to warm chili)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups prepared chili
• 6 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can sliced black olives
• Tortilla chips or tortilla strips
• Sour cream
• Salsa (optional)

Directions

1. Warm the chili until hot.
2. If the chili is very thin, simmer for a few minutes so it thickens slightly.
3. Divide the lettuce among serving bowls.
4. Spoon the warm chili over the lettuce.
5. Top with cheese, tomatoes, onions and olives.
6. Add tortilla chips just before serving.
7. Finish with sour cream and salsa if desired.

Chicken Strip Nacho Salad

This fun taco-inspired salad is one of the easiest meals for kids to help prepare. Crispy chicken strips, crunchy Doritos, fresh lettuce and a simple salsa ranch dressing come together for a colorful lunch or quick family dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cooked breaded chicken strips
• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese Doritos
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, sliced olives or green onions

Creamy Salsa Dressing

• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Directions

1. Bake or air fry the chicken strips according to the package directions.
2. Mix the salsa and ranch dressing together in a small bowl.
3. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized strips.
4. Place the romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl.
5. Add the chicken, cheese and any additional toppings.
6. Drizzle with some of the dressing and toss gently. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.
7. Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top immediately before serving.