Here’s a delicious and colorful way to make a Seven-Layer Taco Salad — a classic party favorite that’s easy to assemble and full of flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Base & Layers:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Optional:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 lb cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, seasoned with taco spices
For Crunch:
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein
- Cook ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning. Let cool slightly.
- Layer the Salad
- In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, layer ingredients in this order for visual appeal:
- Chopped lettuce
- Cooked meat (if using)
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cheese
- Black olives and green onions
- In a large serving dish or trifle bowl, layer ingredients in this order for visual appeal:
- Add Toppings
- Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt and spoon over salsa.
- Crush tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
- Serve
- Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Mix before eating so every bite gets a little of each layer.
Tips:
- You can swap or add layers: avocado, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce mix.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
If you want, I can give a speedy 10-minute version that’s just as flavorful but uses minimal prep and no-cook beans or corn.
Do you want me to do that?