Mexican Salad Supper
A vibrant and flavorful Mexican salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or party.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture and chill if desired.
- Shred the lettuce and prepare the remaining fresh ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded lettuce, cooked ground beef, chopped tomato, diced avocado, kidney beans, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Top the salad with coarsely crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with taco seasoning or cumin while cooking. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different texture and taste. Fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick that complements the ingredients beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Salad Supper is perfect as a stand-alone meal but can also be served alongside a side of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. Consider pairing it with a refreshing beverage like a lime-infused drink. It also goes well with dishes like Sizzlin' Fajitas for a complete Tex-Mex feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crunchiness, store the tortilla chips separately and add them just before serving. If reheating, gently warm the beef mixture in a skillet, but avoid reheating the entire salad to keep the fresh ingredients crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Salad Supper contains roughly 1043 calories, with 47g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1065mg per serving (46% 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 beef and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the salad fresh. However, avoid adding the tortilla chips until just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Each will provide a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking. You can also sprinkle some chili powder into the salad mix or serve with a spicy salsa on the side.
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).