Ranch Hand Taco Salad: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight
Ranch Hand Taco Salad offers a delicious twist on traditional taco salads, combining bold flavors and wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Inspired by the flavors of the Southwest, this salad features seasoned ground beef or turkey, crisp lettuce, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, and a zesty ranch dressing, all topped off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.
The beauty of Ranch Hand Taco Salad lies in its versatility and simplicity. It’s easy to customize according to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it suitable for a variety of lifestyles, including Weight Watchers. For those following the program, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef to reduce SmartPoints without sacrificing flavor.
To make Ranch Hand Taco Salad, start by cooking the ground meat with taco seasoning until browned and flavorful. Then, assemble the salad by layering the cooked meat on a bed of lettuce and topping it with sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Not only is Ranch Hand Taco Salad delicious, but it’s also a well-balanced meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and plenty of vegetables makes it a satisfying and wholesome option for lunch or dinner. Plus, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, Ranch Hand Taco Salad is a winner. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious, making it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to keep on rotation.
Ranch Hand Taco Salad
Ranch Hand Taco Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix and water according to package instructions. Stir well to combine, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, chopped chives, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the ranch dressing.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
- Divide the salad among serving plates or bowls. Top each serving with a portion of the taco meat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and satisfying Ranch Hand Taco Salad!
This Ranch Hand Taco Salad is not only flavorful and satisfying but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you feeling energized and satisfied. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option. Plus, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!