Save it
Seven-Layer Taco Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of taco ingredients in a layered presentation. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick family meal. Next, we’ll go through the ingredients you’ll need to create this fresh and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
- Refried beans or ground beef: 1 can of refried beans or 1 lb ground beef, cooked, for the protein layer at the base of the salad.
- Sour cream: 1 cup, mixed with spices for a creamy and flavorful layer.
- Salsa: 1 cup, any flavor, to add a zesty tomato base to the salad.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup, for a cheesy layer that ties everything together.
- Shredded lettuce: 1 cup, for a fresh and crunchy element.
- Diced tomatoes: 1/2 cup, adding a juicy and colorful topping.
- Sliced black olives: 1/2 cup, for a briny and savory flavor.
- Chopped green onions: 1/4 cup, for a mild oniony crunch and flavor.
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp, for seasoning the sour cream and adding a hint of warmth.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp, to enhance the flavor profile of the seasoned sour cream.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, for balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
- Tortilla chips: For serving, to scoop up the delicious layers and provide a crunchy texture.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful, seasoned layer.
- Step 2:
- In the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish or similar-sized serving dish, spread the refried beans or cooked ground beef evenly to form the base layer of the salad.
- Step 3:
- Layer the seasoned sour cream over the beans or beef, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4:
- Spread the salsa over the sour cream layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa for a cheesy layer.
- Step 6:
- Add the shredded lettuce on top of the cheese, spreading it out for an even layer.
- Step 7:
- Follow with a layer of diced tomatoes, spreading them evenly over the lettuce.
- Step 8:
- Finish by adding the sliced black olives and chopped green onions on top.
- Step 9:
- Serve with tortilla chips for scooping and enjoy the layers of flavors and textures.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Seven-Layer Taco Salad immediately with tortilla chips for scooping. It’s perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish for parties and gatherings.
- For extra freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice on top before serving, which enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce over the top layer.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the lettuce and tomatoes may release some moisture, so it’s best to consume the salad fresh.
Helpful Notes
- For a vegetarian option, stick with refried beans as the base layer instead of ground beef.
- Customize the layers by adding corn, avocado, or shredded chicken for extra texture and flavor.
- If using ground beef, season it with taco seasoning while cooking to enhance the flavor.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends using fresh salsa for a more authentic and vibrant flavor in your taco salad.
- Chef Rick Bayless suggests adding a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco on top for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
- Chef Pati Jinich advises layering the ingredients just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.