Southwest Taco Salad
In our kitchen, Southwest Taco Salad has become a favorite for its bold flavors and satisfying textures. This Quick and Homemade taco salad bowl features a vibrant mix of fresh veggies, hearty black beans, and crispy air-fried tortilla strips, all topped with a zesty dressing. Forget about Taco Bell salad—this version is packed with wholesome ingredients and better-than-restaurant quality! Serve it in taco salad shells for an extra crunch and a fun presentation. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this Southwest Taco Salad is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Table of Contents
- About Southwest Taco Salad
- Why You’ll Love Southwest Taco Salad
- What Is in Southwest Taco Salad
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Southwest Taco Salad
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Southwest Taco Salad Recipe
About Southwest Taco Salad
Southwest Taco Salad is inspired by the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of the Southwestern United States. This region, known for its bold spices and diverse culinary influences, combines Mexican and American flavors to create unique and delicious dishes. Taco salad, a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, typically includes ground beef, but our vegetarian version uses soy chorizo for a plant-based twist.
Taco salad became popular in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a healthier and more substantial form. By replacing the taco shell with a bed of fresh greens and incorporating various toppings, this dish offers a refreshing and nutritious alternative to traditional tacos. Our version, featuring soy chorizo, caters to vegetarians and those looking for a meat-free option without compromising on flavor.
The Southwest Taco Salad reflects the fusion of cultures and flavors that characterize Southwestern cuisine. This dish celebrates the use of fresh, local ingredients and the bold, spicy flavors that are hallmarks of the region’s culinary traditions. It’s a versatile and customizable dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side, making it perfect for family meals, gatherings, and casual dining.
Why You’ll Love Southwest Taco Salad
- Bold Flavors: Trader Joe’s soy chorizo provides a spicy and savory kick.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with fresh veggies and plant-based protein.
- Crispy and Crunchy: Air-fried tortilla strips add a delightful crunch.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
What Is in Southwest Taco Salad
- Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo: Provides a spicy, meaty flavor without the meat.
- Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp, forms the base of the salad.
- Black Beans: Adds protein and fiber.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy, providing a nice contrast to the spicy chorizo.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and tangy, adding color and flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, balancing the spiciness of the chorizo.
- Cilantro: Fresh and herbaceous, adding a burst of flavor.
- Green Onions: Adds a mild, savory note.
- Lime Wedges: For a zesty kick.
- Air-Fried Tortilla Strips: Crispy and crunchy, perfect for topping.
- Salsa: Adds moisture and extra flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo: Spicy, savory, and plant-based.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing base.
- Black Beans: Protein-packed and hearty.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and tangy.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich.
- Cilantro: Fresh and flavorful.
- Green Onions: Mild and savory.
- Lime Wedges: Zesty and tangy.
- Tortilla Strips: Air-fried for a crispy crunch.
- Salsa: Flavorful and moist.
How To Make Southwest Taco Salad
Tortilla Bowl:
- Preheat Oven to 350 F (175 C)
- Lightly oil a medium glass bowl, and fold a Tortilla into the shape of the bowl. Press the Tortilla to the sides of the bowl for good contact to the oiled surface.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the glass bowl, flip the Tortillas over and bake for another 15 minutes until crispy on both sides.
- Allow the Tortillas to cool completely before serving
Citrus Cilantro Salad Dressing:
- Combine all ingredients into a salad dressing container or a mason jar, and shake vigorously.
- Serve immediately or store for later. Good for 1 week in the refrigerator
Salad:
- Make 3 cuts lengthwise on each of the romaine hearts, remove the stems, and chop into smaller pieces. Rinse, drain, and place in a large salad bowl.
- Dice the tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the romaine.
- Dice the onion and add it to the salad.
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and dice. Add to the salad.
- Add the Sweet Corn, Black beans, Soy Chorizo, and Cheddar Cheese.
- Pour the Citrus Cilantro dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Enjoy!
Have It Your Way!
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add more plant-based protein with extra beans or tofu.
- Dress It Up: Use your favorite dressing, like ranch or a cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
- Swap the Greens: Try using spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving
- Protein: 12 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 650 milligrams
Health Benefits
- Rich in Fiber: Black beans and vegetables provide a high fiber content, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
- Plant-Based Protein: Soy chorizo offers a protein boost without the cholesterol found in meat.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado provides monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
- Low in Saturated Fat: A healthier alternative to traditional meat-based taco salads.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Burrata Panzanella Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad
- Asian Coleslaw
Southwest Taco Salad Recipe
Southwest Taco Salad
Ingredients
Tortilla Bowl:
- Large Flour Tortilla 10 in or larger
- 1 Tbsp. Cooking Oil
Citrus Cilantro Salad Dressing:
- ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic minced
- 6 Tbsp. Fresh Cilantro chopped
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper ground
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Red Chili Flakes
- ½ Tsp Cumin Powder roasted
Salad:
- 2 Romaine Lettuce hearts
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 cup Red Onion chopped
- 2 Avocados
- 1 cup Sweet Corn canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Black Beans canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Soy Chorizo
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Vegan) diced
Equipment
Instructions
Tortilla Bowl:
- Preheat Oven to 350 F (175 C)
- Lightly oil a medium glass bowl, and fold a Tortilla into the shape of the bowl. Press the Tortilla to the sides of the bowl for good contact to the oiled surface.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the glass bowl, flip the Tortillas over and bake for another 15 minutes until crispy on both sides.
- Allow the Tortillas to cool completely before serving
Citrus Cilantro Salad Dressing:
- Combine all ingredients into a salad dressing container or a mason jar, and shake vigorously.
- Serve immediately or store for later. Good for 1 week in the refrigerator
Salad:
- Make 3 cuts lengthwise on each of the romaine hearts, remove the stems, and chop into smaller pieces. Rinse, drain, and place in a large salad bowl.
- Dice the tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the romaine.
- Dice the onion and add it to the salad.
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and dice. Add to the salad.
- Add the Sweet Corn, Black beans, Soy Chorizo, and Cheddar Cheese.
- Pour the Citrus Cilantro dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tortilla strips separate to maintain their crunch.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the soy chorizo and chop the veggies in advance. Assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a main dish or a side salad for a Tex-Mex themed meal.
Video
Nutrition
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Love Taco Salad. This looks good
It’s it the perfect refreshing salad?!