Mexican Taco Recipe with Refried Beans & Fresh Summer Salad
This Mexican Taco Recipe with Refried Beans & Fresh Summer Salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Loaded with homemade elements like creamy refried beans, spicy salsa, smooth sour cream, and vibrant guacamole, these tacos are a celebration of fresh, authentic ingredients. Paired with a refreshing summer salad, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious, making it ideal for casual summer gatherings or a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hard taco shells | 4 | Store-bought or homemade |
| Summer Salad | 1 cup | Fresh mix of red cabbage, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes |
| Refried beans (homemade) | 1/2 cup | Creamy and flavorful beans, made from scratch |
| Sour cream (homemade) | 1/2 cup | Rich and tangy, a perfect topping |
| Tomato salsa (homemade) | 1/4 cup | Spicy Mexican salsa made with fresh tomatoes |
| Guacamole (homemade) | 1/4 cup | Smooth and creamy avocado dip with a burst of lime |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Total Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
Instructions
To begin assembling this Classic Mexican Taco Recipe with Refried Beans & Fresh Summer Salad, first gather all the elements you’ll need to create this delicious taco dish. You can prepare each element from scratch using the provided recipes, or opt for store-bought components to save time. Here’s how to make the key components of this recipe:
-
Homemade Hard Taco Shells – You can make the taco shells at home by following our simple recipe for crispy, golden taco shells, or buy pre-made taco shells from your local store for convenience.
-
Summer Salad – Prepare a fresh and vibrant summer salad by combining shredded red cabbage, crisp lettuce, diced onions, and juicy tomatoes. You can find the recipe for a homemade summer salad on our site, but feel free to mix in other fresh ingredients of your choice.
-
Homemade Refried Beans – If you don’t have refried beans on hand, follow our step-by-step guide to making creamy and flavorful refried beans from scratch. Using pinto beans or black beans, these will add richness to your tacos.
-
Homemade Sour Cream – For a healthier version of sour cream, try making it at home using low-fat yogurt, or make a classic sour cream recipe from our collection.
-
Spicy Tomato Salsa – This homemade tomato salsa brings a spicy kick to the tacos. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and a hint of cilantro for a burst of flavor. Check out our salsa recipe for the full instructions.
-
Homemade Guacamole – You can’t go wrong with a creamy guacamole topping. Made with ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, and a touch of garlic, this guacamole adds a delightful texture and flavor to your tacos.
Once you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Here’s how:
-
Assembly:
- Take one taco shell and hold it in your hands, ensuring it is open enough to fill.
- Start by adding about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of homemade refried beans at the bottom of the taco shell. Spread them evenly to create a smooth base.
- Layer a generous amount of the fresh summer salad over the refried beans. The crunch from the cabbage and lettuce will complement the creaminess of the beans.
- Next, spoon in a dollop of your homemade guacamole on top of the salad. This adds richness and a fresh, creamy texture.
- Drizzle some homemade sour cream and tomato salsa over the guacamole, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Repeat the process with the remaining taco shells.
-
Serve:
Serve these tacos alongside refreshing sides like Kiwi Basil Lemonade and Strawberry Coconut Trifle Pudding for a complete summer meal that will impress your guests and leave everyone craving more.
Serving Suggestions
For a truly festive meal, pair these tacos with a chilled glass of Kiwi Basil Lemonade, which is both refreshing and aromatic. To complement the tacos, try serving a sweet Strawberry Coconut Trifle Pudding for dessert, bringing together the perfect balance of savory and sweet in your meal.
Tips for Customization
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by substituting the sour cream with a plant-based version and ensuring your taco shells are vegan-friendly.
- Protein Additions: For those who want extra protein, grilled chicken, ground beef, or even tofu could be added as toppings.
- Salsa Variation: If you prefer a milder salsa, substitute the spicy tomato salsa with a milder roasted tomato version or mango salsa for a sweet twist.
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexican tacos with refried beans and a fresh summer salad—a simple yet irresistible dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
