Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram Just kidding. We just went to the local park where they have cracked and terribly neglected courts. We pulled our tennis rackets and balls out of the trunk of our car, where they live permanently, just in case the mood for a quick tennis excursion strikes us unexpectedly, which happens exactly never. (I think when we bought the gear years ago we were too lazy to figure out where to fit them in our rather cramped garage, so they just never made it out of the trunk.) I am just not what you would call a sporty person, you guys. I try to have confidence, but usually when a ball is flying at me, all the sporty desire inside of me vanishes, and my brain can only focus on one task: get as far away from that ball as you can if you want to survive. Or die trying. This rapid shift usually results in me absurdly flailing around like one those inflatable-dancing-mans you see at car dealerships. It ain’t pretty. I have to make up for my athletic failures somehow. I’m on a roll with the healthy recipes lately, did you see my P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat? So satisfying and delicious, and super low carb. Today’s recipe is amazingly low carb too! Let’s get those summer bods ready! ;) Who needs to workout if you’re eating salad every day?? (Although sometimes I think I get a better workout playing my version of avoid-the-tennis-ball rather than traditional tennis. Have you seen how those inflatable men can move??) I get it, tortillas are tough to beat. But I’m telling you, when you use the right ingredients and commit to making your own dressing, you will have a change of heart. You will go from thinking of taco salad as a second class healthy substitute to real tacos, to thinking mid-salad-chomp, “Dang. This is legit amazing.” And suddenly salad is no longer substandard.
use chicken instead of beef. Here’s my favorite way to make chicken tacos, just throw the meat on your salad instead! replace cheddar with Cotija, Queso Fresco, or a packaged Mexican cheese blend use white onions in place of red onions add black olives. You will note that this is not on the required list above. Eric made me add it in. add Pico de Gallo or 5 Minute Restaurant Style Salsa (or use it in place of the tomatoes) add black beans or pinto beans. I feel that this ingredient isn’t necessary if you are using taco meat. If you aren’t, see recipe notes for how to jazz up beans to make this a great meatless meal! use Crema Mexicana in place of sour cream. I LOVE this stuff. It’s kind of like creme fraiche, but more buttery tasting. It’s like a richer, pourable sour cream. I always find it in my store near the Cotija cheese. I live in California though, where it’s easy to find Mexican ingredients. (If you live midwest or east coast, have you ever seen Crema in stores?)
Juanitas are the way to go. Have you ever tried Juanitas tortilla chips? I don’t know if they are available everywhere, but if you can get your hands on them, buy out the store and tell the manager to order more. That’s how good they are. I’ve never had a tortilla chip like it anywhere. I eat them by themselves, no dip necessary. These days my carb conscious self won’t even bother with tortilla chips if there’s no dip, but I make an exception for Juanitas. The next best option, in my opinion, is to use Fritos. I love the corny flavor that Fritos lend, they are not the same as regular tortilla chips. They are super delicious on salad. I know many of you grew up eating Doritos with your taco salad. I had never even heard of this, but I noticed the trend right away when I started researching recipes. I still say try out Juanitas if you can find it, but Doritos is gonna be a pretty amazing option too.
Start by browning your taco meat. Drain the fat (I used 80% ground beef). Now it’s time for the seasoning: guess what guys, I love using regular ol’ McCormick’s premium taco seasoning for my ground beef. Super basic. (UPDATE 2023! I finally figured out a homemade version! Here’s my homemade Taco Seasoning recipe!) Don’t dry out your taco meat by cooking it too long after adding the water and seasoning; you want to still see a little liquid at the bottom of the pan. You want drippy, juicy taco meat! Yum.
You must make a dressing, even if it’s an easy one. Avocados are required, either fresh or in guac form. Taco meat must be beef. Sorry turkey, but no, you are not the best. Mix herbs (cilantro and green onions) in with your lettuce. Chop your lettuce into small easy-to-bite pieces. Don’t skimp on the cheese! Cheese is everything! You must use Juanitas or Fritos. The end. Forever and ever amen.
Pozole Rojo like Abeula’s » soup and salad are just meant to be together! Mexican Street Corn Dip » I could eat this stuff with a shovel Carol’s Legendary 7 Layer Bean Dip » more awesome Americanized Mexican flavors My Favorite Guacamole » skip the avocados if you want and add this instead! The Best Tres Leches Cake » treat yourself to creamy decadence Virgin Pina Coladas » perfect for a hot night or whenever you want to live that resort life Easy Horchata Recipe » another refreshing drink I can’t get enough of! New Mexico Sopapillas from The Intrepid Gourmet Extra Soft Conchas from La Piña en La Cocina Tomatoes are going to give you the most trouble. Overnight is okay, but if you are planning for the whole week, I would take a minute to chop your tomatoes and add them to your veggie container the night before you plan to eat it. Add chips, dressing, salsa, and sour cream last minute. Perfect healthy meal that will last you all week!
