Description
Mexican-inspired seven-layer taco salad delivers a flavor fiesta packed with zesty ingredients and colorful textures. Cool, crisp layers merge classic taco elements into one refreshing dish you can’t resist diving into with pure culinary excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Layer:
- 1 can refried beans or 1 pound ground beef
Dairy and Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh Vegetable and Topping Layer:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Seasoning Layer:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Serving Component:
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Whisk together sour cream with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty seasoning blend.
- Select a 9×13 inch serving dish and spread a uniform layer of refried beans or ground beef as the foundational base.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned sour cream mixture over the initial layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Generously spoon salsa across the sour cream, creating a vibrant and tangy stratum.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese to form a rich, melty layer that covers the salsa completely.
- Create a crisp green landscape by adding a layer of fresh, finely chopped lettuce.
- Scatter diced tomatoes over the lettuce, adding bright color and juicy texture.
- Finish the composition by garnishing with sliced black olives and finely chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp tortilla chips for a delightful dipping experience, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a hearty meal.
Notes
- Customize protein choices by swapping ground beef with shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or dairy-free options to enhance flavor profiles and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy layers, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch.
- Add extra heat and complexity by incorporating diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder between layers for adventurous palates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg