Back in the day, our mother served us a “Canadian Style” Taco Salad, and we LOVED it. Once I had children of my own, I called my mom, got the recipe, made it and served it to my kids and they LOVED it. I have given this recipe to many friends and they served it to their families and they LOVED it. Do you see where we’re going here? It’s a delicious recipe and we’re going to give it to you, BUT we’re going to change a few ingredients from the original recipe to make it better for you.
One really cool swap that I thought of was blended salsa! I needed to replace the ketchup ingredient because, as you know, ketchup is full of sugar. It’s actually the second ingredient listed on the back of the bottle, meaning it is made up of mostly sugar. Anyway, I swapped out ketchup for salsa and it was really good! People like us come up with swaps like this when we can, because every little bit helps. I used Pace Picante Medium salsa.
This recipe is easy and delicious. If you should have leftovers, which I rarely do, it will taste good the next day even though the dressing is mixed in.
Assemble the salad ingredients and then mix the dressing together in a blender. When it’s time for dinner, mix together and serve. This recipe makes a lot, so be sure to have friends over or simply cut recipe in half. Enjoy!
Taco Salad, Family Favorite
A delicious taco styled salad
Ingredients
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped I like cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 head romaine lettuce shredded
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped optional
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef Use ground turkey for lower calorie
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pepper
- Handful taco chips optional
Dressing
- 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/8 cup honey
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1-2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 cup favorite salsa I used Pace Picante Medium heat
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp worchestershire sauce
- salt to taste (1/4 tsp)
Instructions
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Brown and crumble ground beef in a pan. Add chopped onions and cook with the beef. When beef is almost fully cooked (no pink), add chili powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper and stir in. Set aside and let cool.
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While beef is cooking, chop tomatoes, lettuce, red pepper and cilantro and put in a large bowl.
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Add cheese and beans to the bowl. Once the beef is cooled, add to the bowl as well. Some people like raw onions in their salad too, so feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped onion if you share their taste.
Dressing instructions:
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Put all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Pour dressing onto salad in large bowl and mix well. Crumble taco chips on top for added crunch. Omit taco chips for a lower caloric dish. Leftovers are good, even with the chips in it.
