Description
This Seven Layer Taco Salad is a delicious and colorful Mexican-inspired layered salad perfect for parties and potlucks. It features seasoned ground beef, black beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips, layered beautifully for an impressive presentation and balanced flavors. This recipe is gluten-free when using certified gluten-free chips and seasoning and can be easily customized to suit vegetarian preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy salad.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning along with 2–3 tablespoons of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the beef is well coated and flavorful. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to avoid melting the cheese and sour cream when layering.
- Layer the Salad: In a large clear serving bowl or trifle dish, begin layering the salad starting with the shredded lettuce at the bottom to provide a fresh, crunchy base. Next, add the taco-seasoned ground beef followed by the black beans for protein and texture.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Continue layering with cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado to create a rich and creamy contrast to the savory beef.
- Top the Salad: Finish by sprinkling the sliced black olives, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips or corn chips just before serving to maintain their crunch and add a burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef or substitute with plant-based crumbles.
- Add extras such as corn, jalapeños, or salsa for more variety and spice.
- Assemble the salad in individual jars or cups for easy serving and attractive presentation.
- Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to keep the salad gluten-free.
