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Taco Salad with lettuce, ground beef, avocados, cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, olives, tortilla strips and cheese in a white serving bowl
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4.38 from 8 votes

Ultimate Taco Salad with Ranch Salsa Dressing

Taco Salad with crisp lettuce, seasoned ground meat, and all your favorite taco fixings tossed in an amazing ranch salsa dressing. It's great for quick lunches, potlucks or family picnics!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 840kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 package (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 romaine lettuce, dark outer leaves removed and chopped to 1-inch size (about 6 cups)
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into short, thin strips
  • 2 avocados, pitted and sliced
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup garbanzo beans
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Jack cheese, shredded

For Ranch-Salsa Dressing

  • 1 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened. 
  • Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with the back of the spoon, until browned. Drain meat well.
  • Add taco seasoning and water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. 
  • Lower heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes or until meat is cooked and liquid is mostly reduced. Allow to slightly cool.
  • In a pan over medium heat, heat the remaining oil. Add tortilla strips and stir to prevent from sticking. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp and golden. With a slotted spoon, remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
  • Place lettuce in a large serving bowl. Layer taco meat on top. 
  • Arrange tomatoes, garbanzo beans, corn, sliced olives, and over avocados over meat. Sprinkle cheese. 
  • When ready to serve, garnish with fried tortilla strips and drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

For the Ranch-Salsa Dressing

  • In a bowl, combine Ranch dressing, salsa, and cilantro. Stir until blended.

Nutrition

Calories: 840kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 69g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1201mg | Potassium: 863mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1700IU | Vitamin C: 18.1mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 4mg