Amish Taco Salad Recipe Easy and Delicious Meal Idea

Updated On: October 16, 2025

The Amish Taco Salad is a delightful fusion of hearty, wholesome ingredients blended with the vibrant zest of classic taco flavors. This dish offers a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, seasoned ground meat, and crunchy toppings, all tossed together to create a satisfying meal that’s as colorful as it is tasty.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and bold flavors.

Rooted in Amish culinary traditions that emphasize straightforward, comforting food, this taco salad embraces fresh, quality ingredients without unnecessary fuss. The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty taco seasoning delivers a hearty salad experience that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Ready to dive into a delicious and easy-to-make dish? Let’s explore how to make this Amish Taco Salad your new go-to meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Amish Taco Salad is a crowd favorite for many reasons. First, it combines the best of two worlds: the freshness of a salad with the familiar, bold flavors of a taco.

It’s a one-bowl meal that’s both filling and refreshing, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Additionally, the recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, whether you want to add beans for extra protein, swap the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative, or load it up with extra veggies.

The assembly is straightforward, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

This recipe also stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. The crisp textures and zesty dressing stay vibrant day after day.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies while still satisfying that taco craving!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/plant-based meat)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
  • 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup cooked and drained canned corn
  • 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Salad bowl or serving dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Colander (for rinsing beans and corn)

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to combine and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, diced red onion, corn, and black beans.
  4. Add cheese and meat: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salad. Then, add the seasoned ground beef on top.
  5. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and salsa until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Assemble the salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss gently just before serving to combine all flavors.
  7. Finish with crunch and herbs: Top the salad with crushed tortilla chips and garnish with chopped cilantro if using. Serve immediately for best texture.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and add extra black beans or use a plant-based meat substitute seasoned with taco spices.”

You can customize this salad to suit your taste or dietary needs. For more crunch, add diced bell peppers or cucumbers.

If you like it spicy, add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your taco seasoning and tortilla chips are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream with a vegan alternative and choose a dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether.

Try swapping iceberg lettuce for romaine or mixed greens for a different salad texture and flavor. For a more filling meal, serve alongside warm corn tortillas or add a scoop of guacamole.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 28 g
Fat 25 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fiber 7 g
Sodium 600 mg
Sugar 6 g

Serving Suggestions

This Amish Taco Salad is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it as a standalone meal for lunch or dinner, especially when you want something satisfying yet light.

Pair it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side to add a comforting touch. It also works well as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks, bringing a fresh, zesty contrast to grilled dishes.

For a meal prep option, pack the salad ingredients separately from the dressing and chips to keep everything crisp and fresh. Toss together right before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Looking to explore more fresh and healthy recipes? Check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for another vibrant salad option.

Or try a warm, comforting bowl like our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Conclusion

The Amish Taco Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Its combination of fresh vegetables, seasoned meat, and crunchy toppings offers a delightful array of textures and flavors that will please any palate.

Whether you’re new to Amish cooking or simply looking for a fresh take on taco night, this salad delivers on both taste and convenience. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and perfect for enjoying any time of year.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a vibrant, wholesome meal that captures the spirit of traditional Amish comfort food with a fun, modern twist. For more easy and tasty recipes, don’t forget to explore other favorites like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

📖 Recipe Card: Amish Taco Salad

Description: A hearty and flavorful salad combining seasoned ground beef, crunchy chips, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
  3. Add taco seasoning and a little water; simmer 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and onions.
  5. Add cooked beef and mix gently.
  6. Top salad with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
  7. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 28 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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