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Simple Summer Taco Salad Bowls

A crisp, cool taco salad with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a bright lime dressing—perfect for hot days.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 or leaner
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen-thawed, or canned-drained
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup sour cream optional
  • For the dressing:
  • 3 tbsp lime juice about 1 1/2 limes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring spoons
  • salad spinner (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Pour in water and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. While the beef cools, make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, and salt until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed.
  4. Assemble the salad bowls: Divide chopped romaine among four bowls. Top with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Spoon the seasoned beef over the top.
  5. Drizzle with lime dressing and add a dollop of sour cream if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with 1 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa or crumbled firm tofu seasoned the same way. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge—shake well before using. Leftover beef keeps in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the salad crisp, store components separately and assemble just before serving.