Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing Recipe
A Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. This salad is packed with flavor and loaded with nutritious ingredients that are sure to please any palate. The combination of seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and creamy dressing creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
To make this salad, start by cooking the beef in a skillet with a blend of spices to give it a bold and savory flavor. Then, layer the beef on top of a bed of lettuce and top it with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado. Finally, drizzle the creamy lime cilantro dressing over the top for a tangy and refreshing finish. This salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun and festive party dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Hearty Ground Beef
The star of this Loaded Beef Taco Salad is the hearty ground beef. For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of lean ground beef, which is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Salad Components
The salad components in this recipe are what make it so delicious and loaded with flavor. You will need 1 head of romaine lettuce, 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, 1 avocado, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. These ingredients work together to create a colorful and nutritious salad that is sure to satisfy.
Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing Ingredients
The Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing is what ties everything together in this recipe. To make the dressing, you will need 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. These ingredients come together to create a tangy and creamy dressing that perfectly complements the flavors of the salad.
Overall, the ingredients in this Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing work together to create a delicious and healthy meal option that is perfect for any occasion.
Preparation
Seasoning the Beef
To prepare the hearty ground beef for the Loaded Beef Taco Salad, start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat and return the skillet to the heat.
Next, add the taco seasoning to the beef, along with a small amount of water, and stir to combine. Allow the beef to simmer for a few minutes, until the seasoning has fully coated the meat and the water has evaporated.
Assembling the Salad
To assemble the Loaded Beef Taco Salad, start by placing a bed of mixed greens in a large bowl or on a serving platter. Top the greens with the seasoned ground beef, followed by a layer of diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
Next, add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream. Finally, garnish the salad with a handful of crushed tortilla chips and a drizzle of creamy lime cilantro dressing.
Serve the Loaded Beef Taco Salad immediately, while the beef is still warm and the toppings are fresh. This hearty and flavorful salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or for a festive party or gathering.
Dressing Preparation
Mixing the Dressing
To prepare the Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing, start by whisking together all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. The ingredients include mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Taste and Adjust
Once the dressing is mixed, it is important to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The amount of salt and pepper may vary depending on personal preference, so it is important to taste the dressing and adjust accordingly. If the dressing is too thick, add a little bit of water or lime juice to thin it out to your desired consistency.
The Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, give it a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined. This dressing adds a delicious tangy and creamy flavor to the Loaded Beef Taco Salad and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
The Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing is a complete meal in itself. However, there are some serving suggestions that can elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable.
- Toppings: The salad is already loaded with toppings, but you can add some more to suit your taste. Some great options include diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco.
- Chips: Serve the salad with some tortilla chips on the side. They add a nice crunch and can be used to scoop up the salad.
- Sides: If you want to serve something on the side, consider some black beans, Spanish rice, or a simple corn salad.
- Drinks: Pair the salad with a refreshing drink, such as a margarita, a cold beer, or a glass of iced tea with lime.
When serving the salad, make sure to mix it well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing is already mixed in, but you may want to add a little more dressing if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing is a delicious and hearty meal that can satisfy your cravings and keep you full for hours. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this dish.
Hearty Ground Beef
The ground beef used in this recipe adds a good amount of protein to the dish. A 4-ounce serving of cooked ground beef contains around 24 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. However, it is also high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. A serving of Loaded Beef Taco Salad contains approximately 6 ounces of cooked ground beef.
Loaded Beef Taco Salad
The Loaded Beef Taco Salad is packed with various vegetables that not only add flavor and texture but also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used in the salad:
- Lettuce: Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and folate.
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which is known to have antioxidant properties.
- Avocado: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, K, and B6.
- Corn: A good source of fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: High in calcium and protein, but also high in calories and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing
The Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing used in this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional dressings that are high in calories and fat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a 2-tablespoon serving of the dressing:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Overall, Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing is a nutritious and delicious meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to consume it in moderation to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Savoring Indulgence: Loaded Beef Taco Salad Extravaganza
Course: Salads, beefDifficulty: Medium6
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesSavor the goodness of this Loaded Beef Taco Salad, a symphony of flavors and textures featuring crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and more. In just 20 minutes, you can indulge in this delightful creation topped with an extraordinary cilantro lime dressing.
Ingredients
- CHICKEN AND SALAD:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended)
One 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning, divided (reduced sodium, medium heat)
¼ cup water
4 cups romaine lettuce
1 or 2 medium tomatoes, diced (Roma, vine-ripened, or cherry tomatoes)
1 medium ripe Hass avocado, peeled and diced
1 cup Mexican shredded cheese blend
1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
¾ cup corn (frozen or fresh)
¾ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- CREAMY LIME-CILANTRO DRESSING:
½ cup mayonnaise (lite okay)
¼ cup sour cream (lite okay, plain Greek yogurt may be substituted)
3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice (adjust for flavor and consistency)
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely minced
½ teaspoon granulated sugar, optional and to taste
Instructions
- Beef and Salad:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil, add beef, and brown over medium-high heat, breaking it up and stirring frequently for even cooking.
- After browning, optionally drain excess fat, sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, add 1/4 cup water, and simmer over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Let the beef rest in the pan off the heat while you assemble the salad.
- On a large platter or in a bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, tortilla chips, corn, black beans, and beef. Set aside.
- Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, lime juice, remaining taco seasoning, and whisk until well combined.
- Add finely minced cilantro and stir to incorporate. Adjust dressing consistency by adding more lime juice if desired.
- Taste the dressing and add sugar if needed. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss to combine.
- Nutrition:
- Serving: 1 ,Calories: 616kcal ,Carbohydrates: 25g ,Protein: 30g ,Fat: 44g ,Saturated Fat: 13g ,Polyunsaturated Fat: 27g
Trans Fat: 1g ,Cholesterol: 98mg ,Sodium: 1114mg ,Fiber: 7g ,Sugar: 5g
Notes
- Extra dressing stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days and serves as a delicious veggie dip.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative for a lighter version of this taco salad.
- What other toppings can I add for extra flair?
- Experiment with shredded cheese, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the richness of the salad.
- How long can I store the leftover dressing?
- The creamy lime cilantro dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week, ensuring you have a quick and flavorful option for future salads.
- Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
- Indeed! Prep the individual components in advance and assemble just before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Can I make a vegetarian version of this salad?
- Absolutely! Replace the beef with seasoned tofu or your favorite meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian twist.
