Go Back

Gluten Free Taco Salad

A colorful bowl of crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and fresh toppings that satisfies even the pickiest eaters while keeping things naturally gluten-free.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 packet gluten-free taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • gluten-free tortilla chips, crushed
  • lime wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and coats the meat.
  2. While the beef finishes cooking, wash and chop your romaine into bite-sized pieces. Pat it completely dry. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and gather your remaining toppings.
  3. If using canned beans, give them a quick rinse to remove excess sodium. For frozen corn, run it under warm water for 30 seconds to take the chill off.
  4. Start with a generous base of crisp romaine in each serving bowl. Layer the warm seasoned beef over the lettuce, then arrange colorful sections of beans, corn, tomatoes, and onions around the bowl. Top with shredded cheese while the beef is still warm.
  5. Dollop sour cream in the center, then arrange avocado slices around the edges. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla chips just before serving. Provide lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Prep vegetables while the meat cooks to maximize efficiency. Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep cooked beef in one container, fresh ingredients in another. Reheat beef gently in the microwave before reassembling fresh salads. Don't overdress the salad, avoid using wet lettuce, skip pre-crushing tortilla chips until serving time, and don't let the seasoned beef sit too long before serving.