Colby Fiesta Salad
A colorful, flavorful taco salad featuring seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and melted Colby cheese served in crispy tortilla bowls—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with a Mexican flair.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground turkey or beef or veal ⓘ
- 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded lettuce ⓘ
- jalapeno peppers, chopped (if desired) ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced in rings ⓘ
- 8 olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 4 oz. Colby cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Warm tortillas and place in a 4 or 5-inch container to bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cook ground meat, then add taco seasoning mix and water.
- Heat the meat mixture and set aside.
- Bring evaporated skim milk to a boil and add shredded Colby cheese, stirring until cheese melts to make a cheese sauce.
- Add chopped jalapeno peppers, if desired, and keep warm.
- Place tortilla bowls on plates.
- Divide shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, and sliced onion equally into each tortilla bowl.
- Top with equal portions of meat mixture.
- Pour cheese sauce over the top.
- Place 2 olives in each bowl before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick variation, substitute ground turkey with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian twist. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option. Experiment with toppings like avocado or corn for added flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Colby Fiesta Salad with a side of Bean Salsa Soup for a complete meal. Garnish with extra jalapenos or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. This dish is also perfect for parties, so consider pairing it with Easy Quesadillas for a fun spread that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the meat mixture and cheese sauce separately in the microwave. Reheat tortillas in the oven briefly to restore their crispness before assembling the bowls again for serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colby Fiesta Salad contains roughly 738 calories, with 43g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (86% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving. Stir in a little milk if it thickens too much upon reheating.
What can I substitute for Colby cheese?
If you don't have Colby cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese work well as substitutes. Both will melt nicely and add a delicious flavor. For a healthier option, try reduced-fat cheese varieties.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add more heat, consider using spicy taco seasoning or adding diced serrano peppers along with the jalapenos. You could also mix in some hot sauce or serve with a spicy salsa for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).