Layered Mexican Salad
A colorful layered Mexican salad combining refried beans, seasoned beef, fresh tomatoes, green onions, and melted cheese — perfect for parties and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the hamburger.
- Let the cooked hamburger cool.
- Heat the refried beans.
- Spread the heated refried beans evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cooled hamburger over the beans.
- Mix the taco seasoning with the sour cream and spread this mixture over the hamburger layer.
- Dice the tomatoes and green onions.
- Sprinkle the diced tomatoes over the sour cream mixture.
- Sprinkle the green onions over the tomatoes.
- Top the salad with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Serve with Mexican corn chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute refried beans with black beans and omit the hamburger. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version. Fresh avocado slices make a great addition on top, adding creaminess and flavor. For added spice, consider incorporating jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the layers.
Serving Suggestions
This layered Mexican salad is perfect for parties or potlucks, served with a side of crunchy Mexican corn chips for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Porquitos Guacamole for an extra kick. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, being careful not to dry out the layers. If you prefer, enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Mexican Salad contains roughly 350 calories, with 17g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh. Store each component separately and layer them in the casserole dish when ready to serve to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile. Vegan cheese options are also available if you're looking for a dairy-free version. Just ensure the cheese melts well if you prefer a warm salad.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The flavors are mild enough for kids, and you can adjust the toppings based on their preferences. Consider omitting spicy ingredients and letting them help assemble the layers for a fun cooking activity that they will enjoy.
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).