Mexican Chef Salad Recipe
Description
When the warm embrace of summer beckons, thereโs nothing quite like a vibrant Mexican Chef Salad to tantalize your taste buds while keeping things light and refreshing. This delightful dish combines the crispness of fresh vegetables with the hearty goodness of ground beef and beans, making it a satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh you down. Served as a main course alongside chilled glasses of iced tea, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a crowd-pleaser, particularly for families and those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals. With minimal cooking time and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for novice cooks and anyone looking to whip up something quick yet delicious.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (4 servings total) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1061 kcal |
| Total Fat | 62.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 123.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1068.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 83.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g |
| Sugars | 17.2 g |
| Protein | 45.6 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lettuce |
| 1 | Onion |
| 4 | Tomatoes |
| 4 | Cheddar Cheese |
| 1 | Tortilla Chips |
| 1 | Ground Beef |
| 1 | Red Kidney Beans |
| 1 | Lemon Juice |
| (Optional) | Avocado |
| (To taste) | Thousand Island Dressing |
Instructions
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Prepare the Lettuce: Start by tearing the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that each piece is tender and easy to chew. Place the torn lettuce in a large mixing bowl, allowing it to form the base of your vibrant salad.
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Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the lettuce and gently toss the mixture together, allowing the cheese to mingle with the fresh greens.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Dice the onion and tomatoes, adding them to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors, allowing the fresh, juicy components to complement one another.
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Prepare the Avocado: If you’re including avocado, slice it and gently toss it with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. This step is essential for maintaining the fresh appearance of the avocado while enhancing its flavor.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef according to the package instructions, adding taco seasoning to infuse it with a delightful spice. Once browned, stir in the red kidney beans and heat thoroughly until warmed through.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the meat and bean mixture has cooled slightly, combine it with the cold salad in the bowl, allowing the warm and cool elements to blend together harmoniously.
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Add the Tortilla Chips: Just before serving, crush the tortilla chips slightly and sprinkle them on top of the salad. This ensures they retain their crunch, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the salad to taste. Gently toss the salad once more to ensure that all ingredients are lightly coated in the creamy dressing, adding a delicious tang to each bite.
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Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the salad with the lemon-dressed avocado, arranging it attractively on top. Serve immediately while fresh, and enjoy a hearty, refreshing meal thatโs perfect for summer gatherings!
Cooking Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in your favorite taco seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to substitute the ground beef with sautรฉed mushrooms or extra beans.
- Customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for additional color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Chef Salad pairs beautifully with chilled iced tea or your favorite summer beverage, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or any casual summer gathering. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures that each bite offers, and donโt hesitate to get creative with additional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for an even more indulgent experience.
By preparing this salad, you’re not just feeding your family; you’re creating a memorable dining experience that everyone will love. It encapsulates the essence of summer mealsโfresh, satisfying, and bursting with flavorโmaking it a staple in your recipe repertoire.
