Make Ahead Taco Salad

This Make Ahead Taco Salad recipe first appeared on Organized Island 8 years ago. This Make-Ahead Taco Salad recipe is perfect for a summer dinner or a lunch. It also makes a great lunch on the go.

With busy schedules, this taco salad with ground beef also makes a perfect make-and-take meal. It is the perfect meal prep salad idea.

Hello Friends! I have to say that I am grateful that I have been able to share this space with you for so many years. Time has flown by and thankfully, my photography has improved over the years. 

Why this Taco Salad Recipe?

Easy recipe. This delicious Taco Salad recipe is very simple to make and comes together quickly. It is also a great way to use leftover ground beef which you can prepare ahead of time if you like.

Delicious. This Taco Salad with Ground beef is so tasty! It is a family favorite in our home.

Versatile. I serve it with tortilla chips but you can serve it in a taco shell too! You can also change up the meat and use ground turkey or ground chicken.

One of the things I love is that this is one of those Make-Ahead Taco Salad recipe which makes it an easy meal for spring and summer outings. 

Jump to:

• Why this Taco Salad Recipe?
• Taco Salad Ingredients
•  
• Substitutions and Variations
• Make-Ahead Taco Salad Instructions
• Making it A Packable Salad
• More Easy Salad Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

Taco Salad Ingredients

Ground Beef – The ground beef makes the best taco salad, however, you can also use cooked chicken for this recipe.. 

Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce or Romaine works best with this recipe.

Avocado - This is the perfect addition to this salad, but you can skip it if you like.

Cheese -  I suggest using cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack.

Dressing - I use Catalina salad dressing for this recipe and it tastes great!

onions - sweet onion or green onions

Full ingredient information is in recipe card.

 

Substitutions and Variations

• This taco salad can also be made using black beans instead of pinto beans, it just depends on your family's tastes.
• Use homemade taco seasoning instead of the grocery store brand.
• You can also add a little extra salsa for an added kick if you like.
• You can add more toppings too! Chopped cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, drained chili beans, black olives, green onions, pico de gallo and Monterey jack cheese are great additions.

Serve with tortilla chips or corn chips and enjoy!  

Make-Ahead Taco Salad Instructions

Step 1 - In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, adding taco seasoning until ground beef is browned. Drain and set taco meat aside.

Step 2 - Prepare salad ingredients: shredded lettuce, onion, beans, avocado, tomato, and cheese in a large bowl.

Step 3 - Add cooked and seasoned ground beef to salad mixture.

Step 4 - Add salad dressing when ready to serve.

You can also make and serve these in taco salad bowls. Store leftover taco salad in airtight containers. If you can, store meat and veggies separately.

Making it A Packable Salad

This is how I like to meal prep the salad. It is a nice change up from a sandwich for lunch ,

Taco Salad Dressing

This taco salad with Catalina dressing recipe is a great salad to take to barbecues and picnics. It is crisp and refreshing and a wonderful way to use vegetables from the farmers' market. I know that Catalina dressing may sound strange, but the Tango Catalina dressing tastes delicious with this salad.

Other Dressings For Taco Salad

Other tasty dressings that would work with this salad are:

• Cilantro Lime
• Avocado Crema
• Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Tomatillo
• Salsa or hot sauce- This salad tastes just like a taco bell taco salad when you top it with hot sauce.

More Easy Salad Recipes

Easy Chopped Salad Recipe – This Italian-inspired recipe makes for a wonderful lunch or light dinner in itself.

Mango Arugula Salad Recipe – Argula makes a nice change-up in a green salad. The addition of fresh mango makes this a delightful, colorful salad.

Easy Mediterranean Salad – Another perfectly colorful salad that brightens any table.

Easy Chickpea Salad - Garbanzo beans and fresh vegetables make this a delicious and healthy salad idea!

Dorito Taco Salad - This delicious taco salad is a meal made with crunch Doritos!

📖 Recipe

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