Seven-Layer Taco Salad 🌮🥗
A colorful, crunchy, and crave-worthy fiesta in a bowl! Layers of seasoned beef, fresh veggies, beans, cheese, and a creamy dressing—perfect for parties or meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Layers:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
Season with: 1 packet taco seasoning + ½ cup water
1 (15 oz) can refried beans (or black beans, drained)
1 cup sour cream mixed with ½ packet taco seasoning
2 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Optional Add-Ons:
½ cup sliced black olives
1 diced avocado
½ cup corn kernels
¼ cup sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro
Dressing:
½ cup salsa + ¼ cup ranch dressing (or use ½ cup creamy cilantro lime dressing)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat
Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 5 mins. - Layer the Salad
In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, layer in this order:
Refried beans (spread evenly)
Seasoned beef
Sour cream mixture
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Cheese
Tortilla chips
- Add Extras & Serve
Top with avocado, olives, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Drizzle with salsa-ranch dressing just before serving.
Variations
This Seven-Layer Taco Salad is incredibly versatile. For a healthier twist, swap the ground beef for grilled shrimp or shredded chicken. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed dressing. If you love bold flavors, try adding pickled red onions or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for extra tang.
For a Tex-Mex twist, layer in some cooked quinoa or cilantro-lime rice to make the salad heartier. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, mix chipotle powder into the sour cream or use fire-roasted tomatoes. For a fun crunch, substitute crushed tortilla chips with jicama strips or bell peppers for a low-carb alternative.
If you’re serving a vegan crowd, replace the meat with seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu, and use dairy-free cheese and cashew sour cream. Add roasted sweet potatoes or charred corn for extra depth. The possibilities are endless—let your cravings guide you!
How to Store
To keep leftovers fresh, store the components separately. Assemble only what you plan to eat immediately, as the chips and lettuce will lose their crunch if mixed too soon. The seasoned meat and beans can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days, while the chopped veggies should be kept in separate containers to maintain freshness.
If you’ve already assembled the salad, it’s best eaten within a day. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to meal prep containers. Avoid adding dressing until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. For mason jar salads, place the dressing at the bottom, followed by sturdy ingredients like beans and meat, with lettuce and chips at the top.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked meat and beans for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling. Fresh toppings like avocado and tomatoes should always be added last-minute to avoid discoloration or mushiness.
Tips
For the best texture, lightly toast the tortilla chips before crushing them—this adds extra crunch and prevents sogginess. If you’re meal prepping, pack the chips in a separate baggie and add them just before eating. To save time, use pre-shredded lettuce and cheese, or batch-cook the meat and beans ahead of busy weeknights.
If serving at a party, let guests customize their own bowls with a toppings bar. Include options like guacamole, pico de gallo, and different dressings to suit everyone’s tastes. For a smoother sour cream layer, thin it with a splash of milk or lime juice so it spreads easily over the meat.
To boost nutrition, add extra veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber, or radishes. If you prefer a warm salad, heat the beans and meat before layering—just let them cool slightly so the sour cream doesn’t melt. For a smoky twist, char the tomatoes or grill the corn before adding them to the layers.
Conclusion
This Seven-Layer Taco Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines all the vibrant flavors of tacos in a fresh, customizable format. Whether you’re hosting a party or prepping lunches, its layers of savory meat, creamy dressing, and crisp veggies make every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
With endless variations and simple storage tips, this salad is as practical as it is delicious. Serve it up for your next fiesta, and watch it disappear! From crunchy chips to creamy dressing, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. 🌮🥗
Why You’ll Love This
✅ All the taco flavors in salad form—lighter but just as satisfying!
✅ Endlessly customizable (great for picky eaters).
✅ Feeds a crowd—double the recipe for potlucks.
Serve with: Extra chips, margaritas, or Mexican beer!
Want individual portions? Layer in mason jars for a portable lunch. 🥡
Need a low-carb version? Skip chips and add extra lettuce or cauliflower rice. 😊