Tex Mex Salad Recipe
This Tex Mex Salad is loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and a creamy salsa ranch dressing. It's fresh, hearty, and packed with bold Southwestern flavors that make it perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or potlucks.
If you love taco salads and burrito bowls, this easy Tex Mex Salad is guaranteed to become a favorite.
The Origins of Tex Mex Salad
Tex-Mex cuisine blends traditional Mexican flavors with Texas cooking influences. Popular ingredients like seasoned beef, beans, corn, cheese, avocado, and salsa come together in countless dishes, including this hearty salad.
Today, Tex Mex Salad is a popular option for those looking for a lighter alternative to tacos while still enjoying all the same delicious flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein
Easy weeknight dinner
Great for meal prep
Loaded with fresh vegetables
Full of Tex-Mex flavor
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, diced
½ cup tortilla strips
For the Dressing
½ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup salsa
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon taco seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the ground beef until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 2 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl combine:
Ranch dressing
Salsa
Lime juice
Taco seasoning
Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
Romaine lettuce
Tomatoes
Black beans
Corn
Avocado
Cheese
Red onion
Top with the seasoned beef.
Step 4: Add Dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Toss gently.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with tortilla strips and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Tex Mex Salad
Al Pastor Tacos
Ceviche
Corn Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad
Mexican Rice
Chips and Salsa
Guacamole
Variations
Chicken Tex Mex Salad
Replace ground beef with grilled chicken.
Shrimp Tex Mex Salad
Use seasoned grilled shrimp.
Vegetarian Tex Mex Salad
Skip the meat and add extra beans.
Spicy Tex Mex Salad
Add jalapeños and hot salsa.
Storage
Store salad ingredients separately for best freshness.
Dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tex Mex Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store the dressing separately and add avocado just before serving.
What dressing goes with Tex Mex Salad?
Salsa ranch, cilantro lime dressing, or avocado dressing are all excellent options.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef.
More Salad Recipes You'll Love
Cobb Salad
Chicken Salad
Egg Salad
Tuna SaladItalian Pasta Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Corn Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad
Final Thoughts
This Tex Mex Salad is fresh, filling, and loaded with bold Southwestern flavors. Packed with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, avocado, and creamy salsa ranch dressing, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect any day of the week.