Seven Layer Taco Salad
Imagine serving up a salad that has all the zest and heartiness of your favorite tacos but with the added benefit of a stunning presentation. This Seven Layer Taco Salad recipe is as easy to assemble as it is delicious, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and festive gatherings alike.
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If you’re on the hunt for a Taco Tuesday dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than the Seven Layer Taco Salad. This crowd-pleaser is a visual and flavorful delight, perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party or potluck. With layers of seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings, this salad is not just a meal, it’s a celebration on a plate.
I remember the first time I made the 7 Layer Taco Salad—it was for a summer potluck with friends. Wanting to bring something both delicious and visually appealing, I decided this colorful salad would be perfect. As I layered the crisp iceberg lettuce, seasoned ground turkey, vibrant cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, hearty black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, creamy avocado, and tangy black olives, the dish transformed into a feast for the eyes. The final touch of fresh cilantro and crunchy tortilla chips made it irresistible. At the party, it was a hit! Everyone loved how it combined classic taco flavors in a lighter, refreshing way. Since then, it’s become my go-to for gatherings, always bringing smiles and satisfied appetites..
What is Seven Layer Taco Salad?
Seven Layer Taco Salad is a vibrant, layered salad that combines all the classic taco fixings into one beautiful dish. Starting with a base of crisp iceberg lettuce, it’s then topped with seasoned ground beef or turkey, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and olives, all finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and crunchy tortilla chips. Each layer adds a different texture and flavor, making every bite a delicious adventure.
What makes this Seven Layer Taco Salad healthy?
While traditional tacos can be loaded with heavy ingredients, this salad version packs in plenty of nutritious components. By using lean ground turkey instead of beef, opting for low-sodium taco seasoning, and incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables and beans, this dish offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The addition of avocado provides healthy fats, while the optional customization of ingredients like bell peppers and jalapeños can boost the nutritional value even further.
Why you’ll love this classy Layered Taco Salad with ground beef
This isn’t just any salad – it’s a showstopper. Perfect for entertaining, the Seven Layer Taco Salad brings color, flavor, and a touch of elegance to the table. It’s incredibly versatile and can be easily tailored to fit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a make-ahead marvel, allowing you to prepare it in advance so you can enjoy more time with your guests.
RELATED: Homemade Low Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix – Let’s be honest, store-bought taco seasoning mixes are convenient, but they often come with a hefty dose of sodium. So why not take control of your seasoning and make your own blend? With this homemade recipe, you can tailor the flavors to your liking and skip the added salt altogether.
What tools do you need to make this salad?
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- A large skillet for cooking the meat
- A glass salad bowl or trifle dish for layering the salad (clear glass bowls work best to show off the layers)
- Basic kitchen utensils like a knife, cutting board, and mixing spoons
What is 7 Layer Taco Salad made of?
Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp of my low sodium taco seasoning)
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa1 cup sour cream
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How to make 7 Layer Taco Salad
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add taco seasoning mix and water according to package instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of shredded lettuce as the base.
- Add a layer of the cooked taco meat on top of the lettuce.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the taco meat.
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes, followed by a layer of canned corn and black beans.
- Spoon salsa evenly over the top of the beans.
- Spread a layer of sour cream over the salsa.
- Add a layer of diced avocado and sliced black olives.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top.
- Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top of the salad for added crunch. Serve chilled, and enjoy!!
Make this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe, then check out my Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad, my Heart Healthy Mexican Bean Salad and more of my salads for Cinco de Mayo.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just add the tortilla chips right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of iceberg lettuce?
Romaine or mixed greens are great alternatives that add a different texture and flavor.
How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a spicy salsa, or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Can I omit certain ingredients?
Of course! Customize the salad to your liking. If you don’t like olives or can’t have dairy, simply leave those layers out.
How do I store leftovers of Taco Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the tortilla chips separate to prevent them from getting soggy. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but for optimal taste and texture, enjoy it within 24 hours.
This Seven Layer Taco Salad is more than just a meal – it’s a hearty, delicious salad creation that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner party. Easy to make and beautifully presented, it’s a classy addition to your recipe repertoire. So go ahead, layer up, and let the fiesta begin!
☀️ CELEBRATE SUMMER with
40+ Easy SUMMER Salad Recipes
Summer is here, and do you know what that means? It’s time to lighten things up with these fresh summer salad ideas that your whole family will love!
Other mexican-inspired recipes to try
- Healthy One Skillet Mexican Rice and Beef Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Salad with Creamy Honey Lime Dressing
- Heart Healthy Mexican Bean Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Fiesta in Your Bowl!
Seven Layer Taco Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (2 tbsp of low sodium taco seasoning)
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup canned corn kernels (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add taco seasoning mix and water according to package instructions. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of shredded lettuce as the base.
- Add a layer of the cooked taco meat on top of the lettuce.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the taco meat.
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes, followed by a layer of canned corn and black beans.
- Spoon salsa evenly over the top of the beans.
- Spread a layer of sour cream over the salsa.
- Add a layer of diced avocado and sliced black olives.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top.
- Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top of the salad for added crunch. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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