Mexican Dinner Salad

Mexican Dinner Salad Recipe - Authentic Dish from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Mexican Dinner Salad recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with flavorful ingredients like lean ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Mexican Dinner Salad is a popular dish that combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a salad. This recipe has been enjoyed by families for generations and is a staple in many households.

Ingredients

4 Mission Tostadas
1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
14.5 oz (411 g) can of undrained tomatoes, chopped
1.25 oz (35 g) package of taco seasoning Mix
0.75 cup of water
1 can of rinsed pinto beans, drained
Shredded lettuce
8 oz (227 g) package of velveeta Pasteurized Prepared cheese, cut up
black olives
sour cream

How to prepare

Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet, stirring until the beef crumbles and is no longer pink.
Drain the mixture.
Stir in 1 can of chopped tomatoes, the seasoning mix, and 0.75 cup of water. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the liquid evaporates.
Stir in pinto beans and cheese. Cook until the cheese melts.
Serve over shredded lettuce in tortilla salad shells with chopped tomatoes, sliced and sour cream toppings.

Variations

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this salad.
Add corn, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the beef and onion mixture well to avoid excess grease in the salad.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or jalapenos.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with tofu or black beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexican Dinner Salad with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water slowly to evenly distribute the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese you prefer in this recipe.

- Substitute the pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef and onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Dinner Salad in tortilla salad shells for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexican Dinner Salad with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Dinner Salad contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Dinner Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Dinner Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Dinner Salad contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Dinner Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (taco seasoning mix). Please check the labels of your ingredients if you have allergies.

Summary

Mexican Dinner Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Mexican Dinner Salad is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with lean ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and taco seasoning, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my neighbor Maria over for lunch. She was a wonderful cook and always had the most delicious recipes to share. As we sat down to eat, she brought out a colorful and appetizing salad that immediately caught my eye.

"What's this?" I asked, my mouth watering at the sight of the vibrant vegetables and flavorful toppings.

"It's a Mexican Dinner Salad," Maria replied, a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The combination of crisp lettuce, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing was a burst of flavors in my mouth. I knew I had to learn how to make this salad for myself.

Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and I set out to recreate it in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients - lettuce, tomatoes, corn, avocado, black beans, shredded cheese, and a homemade cilantro-lime dressing. As I chopped and mixed, the scent of fresh ingredients filled the air, and I felt a sense of joy and fulfillment.

The salad turned out just as delicious as Maria's, and I knew it would become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. Over the years, I have made this Mexican Dinner Salad countless times, each time tweaking the ingredients or adding my own twist to make it my own.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a go-to dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. The flavors of the salad remind me of that first summer day with Maria, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn such a wonderful recipe.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Mexican Dinner Salad, I am reminded of the joy that cooking brings me. It is a way to express my creativity, share love with others, and connect with my roots. Each bite is a reminder of the friendships and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the countless others that have been shared with me over the years. Cooking has brought me closer to my loved ones, sparked conversations, and created lasting bonds. It is a gift that I will continue to cherish and pass down to future generations.

So as I take another bite of this delicious Mexican Dinner Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the memories, the flavors, and the love that have brought me to this moment. Cooking is not just a skill, but a way of life that brings joy and fulfillment to my soul. And for that, I am forever thankful.