This quick and easy taco salad recipe is perfect for weeknights. The meat is also good for tacos, burritos, or nachos!

Today is my birthday, and I’m proclaiming that I deserve a day off. That’s why I’m dusting off this oldie but goodie and pretending like it’s a new recipe. The old photos were so unappetizing that it’s been shoved to the back of the vault for a while, so it’s practically new. I’ve been making taco salad this way for years and years, and it was one of the first recipes I shared with you here on The Weary Chef. It deserves to be shown off!

Not only does this recipe make for tasty and healthy taco salad, the leftover meat can be used in tacos, burritos, or nachos. This easy taco salad recipe is great for nights when you are in a hurry because you can get it on the table in about 20 minutes. I make my own taco seasoning mix now, but you can use a packet of taco seasoning instead if you prefer. I hope you enjoy this fun, quick, and easy dinner!


15-Minute Taco Salad
This easy weeknight dinner can be on the table in about 15 minutes, and it’s fun and delicious!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces mixed baby greens
- 1–1/4 pounds ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or make your own)
- 14 ounces red kidney beans canned, drained
- 14 ounces whole kernel corn canned, drained (or 1/2-c. frozen corn)
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes canned, drained (use Rotel if you like spicy)
- corn chips
- salsa I like Herdez brand
- sour cream optional
- grated Mexican cheese blend optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown and crumble turkey over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
- When turkey is almost done, add seasoning mix, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer 8-10 minutes.
- To serve, place a bed of lettuce in each large salad bowl. Top with meat mixture, crushed corn chips, and desired toppings (salsa, sour cream, grated cheese).
Notes
You can substitute 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the ground turkey.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Mexican
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L_L says
I have mad early this so many times. You cannot go wrong!!!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Oh this recipe took me back to when I was little. One of our weekly dinners, which happened to be my favorite, was taco salad night! Where then, there was more chips than lettuce ;) Nowadays, I have swapped those too. I love the addition of corn in yours…gonna have to try it out next time around!
Andi says
I love taco salad too. I don’t even usually put chips in mine or maybe just a couple. There is enough flavor in the other ingredients, but it is nice to have that crunch! Thank you, Meg :)
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I hope you had an amazing day off! And hope your birthday was wonderful! My favorite recipes are always the oldies!
Andi says
Thank you, Nancy! I of course ended up working that night, but at least my post was done for the day ahead of time. I hope you are having a good weekend!
Beth says
Happy belated Birthday Andi!! You deserve more than just one day off :)
Andi says
Thanks so much, Beth! :)
Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen says
Happy Birthday!! Hope you are having a wonderful day! I love that you are dusting off old recipes, especially taco salad because it’s the best!
Andi says
Thank you, Sherri! It was a good day, and today I went out to lunch and the nail salon with a friend. The birthday just keeps coming! :)
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Happy, happy birthday, amazing Andi! Hope your boys spoil your rotten! And I laugh as I’m sitting here enjoying a taco salad for lunch today. Great minds think alike!
Andi says
Thank you, Melanie! I bet you make a mean taco salad!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
Happy Birthday, Andi! This looks awesome! I feel you with the photos. Sometimes certain foods are just harder to capture.
Andi says
Thanks so much, Kacey! :)
Liz says
So many nice recipes. Thanks so much.
Andi says
You are so sweet. I need to retake the photos on this one, but it tastes really good!