SERIES: salads and taco salad
Week 2 of this salad series brings us the taco salad. Taco salads are a staple and it seems like there a million variations. And I must admit – they’re all good. I haven’t had a bad taco salad. Some of the things I like in a taco salad that take it up a level for me are cotija cheese and a vinaigrette dressing. I love the creamy saltiness of cotija cheese. It adds a flavor that contrasts so well with the meat and acid you add to the salad. And while I do love all the sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo additions, I also love a good tangy vinaigrette on top. One of my favorite salads is Chipotle’s. They inspired the vinaigrette that I now love to add to my taco salads at home. This is a variation of a taco salad you don’t see often – give it a try and let me know what you think!
Taco Salad
This variation of a taco salad is like a street taco on a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Simple, delicious, and satisfying!
Ingredients
SALAD
- salad greens of choice (see note), enough to make 4 dinner salads
- sour cream (optional)
- avocado or guacamole (optional)
- salsa or pico de gallo of choice (optional)
- tortilla chips (optional)
- cojita cheese
- grilled corn, cut from cob (optional)
- cilantro
- 1.5-2 LBS ground beef or meat of choice, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning spices
VINAIGRETTE
- 6 TBSP red wine vinegar
- 3 TBSP honey
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 3 TBSP dried oregano, rubbed between hands into fine pieces
- 2 TSP salt
- 1/2 TSP black pepper
- 2 TBSP chili powder
- 2 TSP tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
First make the vinaigrette by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl or jar and whisking together or shaking to combine. Set aside.
Next, prepare all of your salad greens and garnishes into separate bowls for serving. Then prepare your taco meat.
When ready to serve, build your salad and drizzle with vinaigrette. Enjoy!
Notes
Salad greens: I usually use romaine for a taco salad because it's hearty and can hold up to warm taco meat. That said, this is also good with just about any salad mix or salad greens available.
Inspired by: Chipotle