Taco Salad Bowl Recipe

This Nacho Taco Salad Bowl is so flavorful, easy to make, and quite simply way better than your average taco salad. Why? Thanks to a blend of delicious seasonings in a convenient packet, creamy, cheesy queso, fresh, crisp toppings, and lean ground turkey.

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Homemade taco salad bowls

I love taco salads. Why? Because they're totally tacos in a bowl. How awesome is that?!

Don't get me wrong—I love the satisfying crunch of a taco in a hard shell and the way all the yummy juices seep out of the soft ones. But taco salads are so convenient! You can curl up on the couch next to your family, friends, or significant other with your bowl and a fork right in your lap and not have to worry about leaving stains on the fabric, your clothes, or your fun couch pillows.

These Nacho Taco Salad Bowls are so flavorful, easy to make, and are quite simply way better than your average taco salad. Why? Thanks to a blend of delicious seasonings in a convenient packet, creamy, cheesy queso, fresh, crisp toppings, and lean ground turkey. They're the making of an impeccable chef *chef's kiss here* and you'll no doubt be licking your bowl clean.

You also don't have to eat these bowls with a fork! Grab a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and use them to scoop this crunchy, creamy, and spicy deliciousness right into your mouth. Trust me, it's so good! You've got to try it. Once you join the scoop squad, you may never go back. 😎

Taco Salad Bowl Recipe Ingredients

Ground Turkey: You could also use ground beef or chicken, or a plant-based meat.

Fajita or Taco Seasoning Packet: You know how much I love my seasoning packets! Makes cooking a breeze.

Queso: We'll use some to cook our meat and some to dress this delicious salad. You can also use your favorite shredded cheese in these taco salad bowls instead if you wish.

Avocado: I love having avocado with fajita or taco dishes. So creamy, cool, and healthy.

Lettuce: The perfect base for a crunchy salad.

Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese: If you are serving this salad hot, this stuff is gonna melt and be soooo good! Don't worry though. The spiced, cheesy flavor will be just as good served cold.

Bell Peppers: I used orange, red, and yellow bell peppers.

Jalapeno: I like my taco dishes to have a little bit of spice! Totally optional, however.

Salsa Verde: Adds incredible flavor! I love to get mine from Trader Joe's.

Lime: We'll just need the juice of a small one to help bring all of these incredible flavors together.

Cilantro: I know this is controversial. 😉 Use it to your preference or omit!

Tortilla Chips: It's so fun to scoop this salad with tortilla chips instead of eating with a fork. Truly makes me feel like I'm eating nachos! Again, totally optional. Enjoy how you'd like!

A few kitchen tools you'll need

To make a Nacho Taco Salad Bowl, you'll need a skillet, cutting board, knife, rubber spatula, measuring cups, meat thermometer, and serving bowls.

How to make Taco Salad Bowls:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or a coat with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. 
2. Cook ground turkey, queso, and fajita seasoning together until meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. While the meat is cooking, prepare all fresh ingredients for your salad by chopping your lettuce and slicing your bell peppers, jalapeno, lime, and avocado. Have your shredded cheese, queso, and salsa verde ready to use. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a homemade topping, I recommend trying my Spicy Corn Feta Dip, Pico de Gallo, or Homemade Guacamole. All of these will add an extra punch of flavor to this tasty salad!
4. Once your meat is done cooking, assemble all ingredients in a bowl starting with the lettuce. Add your fresh ingredients and top with lime juice, more queso, cilantro, and extra salsa verde. Enjoy with a fork or scoop with nachos!
5. Store your unused ingredients in the refrigerator and use to prep more bowls as you please.

Make more than just taco salad bowls!

This recipe is a great foundation to other Mexican dishes. So, if you aren't feeling taco bowls and want something a little heartier, try using these ingredients to make enchiladas, burritos, a quesadilla, an omelet or egg scramble, or even Mexican-style Sloppy Joes!

The protein in this recipe would also go great with hard or soft tacos. Maybe even a homemade Crunchwrap Supreme!

Frequently asked questions

How do I store my Nacho Taco Salad Bowl?
Store your leftover taco meat separately from the salad in an airtight Tupperware dish. The salad & vegetables can be saved together. If stored together, the meat may make the lettuce soggy and *no one* loves a soggy salad.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?
Absolutely! Don't cook your ground meat with queso and omit the shredded cheese. If you choose to do this, I do recommend using a ground meat with a higher fat content. This way, you don't have to compromise on flavor.

How can I crank up the spice?
I’m all about a good kick in my taco dishes, too! I always have elote, chile lime, or chili powder on hand. I recommend using those to help. If you're really feeling spicy, I'd also toss in some red pepper flakes.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
This recipe is awesome for meal prep. I suggest prepping your protein in advance and then making sure every salad topping is washed, chopped, and ready to eat. I think we can all agree that salads assembled at the time of your meal have the best flavor and texture.

Do you have any tips for making this recipe?
As you are cooking your meat, make sure you are constantly stirring it so it breaks apart and doesn't cook as one big chunk. I love using this meat spatula to help with this. Also, ensure your meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F so you know it's cooked through. And, dice all of your toppings while the meat is simmering! This will save you a lot of time.

Other recipes you might like

Skinny Turkey Enchiladas

Southwest Couscous Salad

Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers

Healthy 7 Layer Salad

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!

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