How to Make a Taco Salad

Tacos are popular American cuisine, and making a taco salad is a quick and easy way to serve this Tex-Mex favorite. Instead of serving tacos, a taco salad can be served as something classier, with just about the same materials. It's also easier and healthier.

Things You'll Need

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 small head lettuce, shredded
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
• 1 small can pitted black olives
• 1 11 ounce can black beans
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 small jar salsa
• 1 bag tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in non-stick frying pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Don't overcook the meat, or it will become hard and tasteless.

2. Add taco seasoning. Taste as you add. Make sure that you don't over do it. You want to be able to taste the ground beef.

3. Drain fat and set aside when meat is brown. Make sure you drain the fat well. You don't want the meat to be held together by fat.

4. Place lettuce in large salad bowl. Make sure you break it up into small pieces by tearing it with your hands. This enhances the flavor of the lettuce.

5. Top lettuce with ground beef mixture.

6. Sprinkle with tomatoes, onion, cheese, olives and beans. Make sure that you use just enough, but not too much. You don't want a heavy meal here, but a light, delightful salad.

7. Serve with sour cream, salsa and chips. You might also add a margarita served in a large margarita glasses, edged with salt.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer hot and mild salsa on the side so guests have a choice.

Resources

• Visit Good Housekeeping online for more good salad ideas.
• Cooks.com contains recipes for salads and more.