Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Kick up taco salad to the next level with homemade cilantro lime dressing!

I think taco salad can be so underrated but if you have never been blown away by it, then you have to try this recipe. The cilantro lime dressing alone is worth making (with or without the salad). But paired with this taco salad - it’s just out of this world delicious. The beef is seasoned with spices instead of a seasoning packet (but you could definitely save time with prepared taco seasoning - no shame!) and the salad is loaded up with corn, grape tomatoes, black beans, pepper jack cheese, sunflower seeds, and avocados. It’s such a filling salad!

What You Need:

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup packed cilantro

• 2 tomatillos, husks removed and roughly chopped

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and roughly chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 1/2 tsp. lime juice

• 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning mix

• 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

• Milk as needed to thin

For the Beef:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef (or turkey)

• 1 Tbsp. chili powder

• 1 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp. onion powder

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

• 1/2 cup mild or medium salsa

For the Salad:

• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved -OR- 2 roma tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 cup corn (charred if desired)

• 1/4 cup chopped red onions

• 2 avocados, sliced or chopped

• 1/3 cups roasted, salted sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese or sharp cheddar cheese

• Tortilla chips or Doritos, slightly crushed

Directions:

1. For the Dressing: Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Add milk, 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Chill for at least one hour before using.

2. For the Beef: Brown beef while crumbling over medium high heat in a large skillet. Drain excess grease.

3. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes until thickened and warmed through.

4. For the Salad: Place lettuce in a large bowl, layer with beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, onions, avocado, sunflower seeds, cheese, and chips. Drizzle or toss with salad dressing and serve!

Recipe from Carlsbad Cravings