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–+ servings

Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime & Avocado Dressing

Hillary Rooney-Fernandes
This vibrant and flavorful taco salad is the perfect way to enjoy all the delicious elements of a taco in a fresh, crisp salad form. Featuring seasoned ground beef, toasted corn, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing, this dish is both hearty and refreshing. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing gathering where everyone can customize their toppings to their liking!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course dressing, Salad
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 287 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Cilantro Lime & Avocado Dressing:

  • 1 ripe avocado peeled and pitted
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon water or more for desired consistency
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Taco Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning store-bought or homemade

Toasted Corn:

  • 1 ½ cups corn fresh or frozen, cut off the cob
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Salad Ingredients:

  • Romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 pint baby tomatoes halved (or 2 roma tomatoes, diced)
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend

Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sour cream
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Homemade salsa link
  • Guacamole link

Instructions
 

Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing:

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and water.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Taco Meat:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
  • Pour in the lime juice and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together. Set aside.

Toast the Corn:

  • In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
  • Sprinkle with sea salt and set aside.

Assemble the Salad:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and half of the cilantro lime dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and toasted corn.
  • If desired, add the taco meat on top of the salad.
  • Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, or serve on the side.

Optional Serving Suggestion (Individual Portions):

  • For individual servings, place the salad mix (lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, cheese) in separate bowls.
  • Offer guests a variety of toppings (sour cream, tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, extra cilantro) so they can customize their salads.
  • Add taco meat and toasted corn on top and drizzle with cilantro lime dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 15gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 233mgPotassium: 363mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 381IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg
Keyword avocado, Cilantro, Fresh and flavorful recipe, lime, salad, Taco
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