Mexicali Dinner Salad
A vibrant Mexican-inspired salad combining fresh vegetables, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips, perfect for casual gatherings and flavorful family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes, onion, and head of lettuce.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and browned, drained ground beef.
- Add seasonings, drained kidney beans, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Toss with French dressing and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding avocado or black olives as toppings. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans. For an extra crunch, toss in some diced bell peppers. Make sure to drain the kidney beans well to avoid excess moisture in the salad. Using fresh ingredients will elevate the taste significantly, similar to a Tasty Taco Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexicali Dinner Salad chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro or jalapeño slices for a kick. It pairs beautifully with Ludy Sprinkle's Mexican Cornbread for a complete meal. Consider offering a side of Chili Con Queso for dipping tortilla chips, or a light fruit salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the ground beef separately, as the salad components are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating the entire dish, as crushed tortilla chips will lose their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Dinner Salad contains roughly 335 calories, with 21g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1333mg per serving (58% 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 this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to keep the crushed tortilla chips separate until serving to maintain their crunch. You can also mix the salad without the dressing and store it in the fridge, adding the dressing just before serving.
What dressing works best for this salad?
French dressing complements the flavors well, but you can experiment with ranch or a zesty lime vinaigrette for a different taste. If you're looking for a creamier option, consider a cilantro-lime dressing to enhance the Mexicali theme.
Can I add more protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, diced tofu, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Incorporating additional beans, like black beans or chickpeas, can also increase the protein content while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
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).