Healthy Taco Salad

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Nothing beats this healthy taco salad recipe in the summertime. Crisp veggies, creamy dressing & crunchy tortilla strips make it fresh & fun to eat.

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Taco Salad

As much as I love tacos, I really love taco salads. In fact, any time I make tacos for dinner, I usually have a taco salad for lunch the next day to use up any leftover ingredients. But today’s healthy taco salad recipe isn’t just any kitchen sink salad. What’s special about this taco salad is a yummy veggie “taco meat.” Finely chopped sautéed shiitake mushrooms and ground walnuts take on a similar texture to ground beef or ground turkey, and tamari, chili powder, and a touch of balsamic vinegar give them a savory/spiced flavor. Combined with romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black beans, crispy tortilla strips, and a dollop of cilantro lime salad dressing, this tasty “meat” makes this salad one of my all-time favorite summer meals!

Taco Salad Recipe Ingredients

To make a great taco salad, you need a mix of textures and tastes – something creamy, something zesty, something crunchy, something tangy, and something crisp – all over lots of greens. Here’s what I use to make this healthy taco salad recipe so filling, fresh, and fun:

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Healthy Taco Salad Tips

  • Make your own tortilla strips by toasting corn tortillas in the oven. That way, you can control how crispy they get and how much oil you use. But if you’re crunched for time, crushed tortilla chips or store bought tortilla strips work here too.
  • Skip the spice. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave out the jalapeño! You could also use pickled jalapeño for an extra tangy pop.
  • Make it ahead. If you prep the components ahead of time and store them separately, this recipe is a great choice for a make-ahead lunch. Assemble the salad in the morning, and toss on the dressing and the avocado right before you’re ready to eat! See this post for more of my best lunch-packing tips.
  • Taco Salad Recipe Variations

    Like all salad recipes, this one is great to play with. Swap in the veggies you have on hand or adjust the toppings to make something you really love. Here are some suggestions:

    More Favorite Mexican-Inspired Recipes

    If you love this healthy taco salad, try one of these delicious recipes next:

    For more easy dinner ideas, check out this post!

    Healthy Taco Salad

    rate this recipe:5 from 21 votesPrep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Serves 2 to 3Save Recipe Print RecipeThis fresh, easy taco salad recipe makes a filling lunch or fun dinner. Prep components ahead of time and store them separately for quick assembly! Gluten-free and vegan.

    Ingredients

    Shiitake Taco “Meat”

    Instructions

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