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    The Life Jolie » Sides » 7 Layer Taco Salad

    7 Layer Taco Salad

    Published: Mar 1, 2019 · Modified: Jun 7, 2022 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This 7 Layer Taco Salad is an easy recipe to make for parties. Full of delicious Mexican-inspired flavors, you can top it with chicken for a healthy main dish or serve it on it's own as great side dish to pass.

    taco salad

    7 Layer Taco Salad

    This post contains Affiliate Links. Please see the disclaimer here.

    I'm certainly no expert in Mexican cuisine. And I won't try to tell you that any of these type of recipes that I create are authentic. But I still enjoy creating recipes that highlight the amazing flavors that you typically find in Mexican food.

    I thought this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe would be a fun and lighter twist on a 7 Layer Dip. It's perfect to throw together and bring to a picnic or get together and has flavors that everyone loves!

    I’ll admit, this was pretty darn hard to photograph, and even harder not to eat while I was taking the photos. My window kept casting a reflection on my giant trifle dish (similar). But I plowed through and promptly went to town on a giant bowl of this salad and then proceeded to send the rest of the week enjoying it for lunch with chicken on top (ps- great meal prep!).

    In the interest of keeping things simple and tasty, I made a quick little taco salad dressing with Ranch and Taco Seasoning. It was quick and easy and added a great creaminess! I also threw a dollop of salsa on top. Ya know, for good measure.

    taco salad recipe

    Tips for how to make taco salad layered

    • For each layer, begin by placing it around the perimeter of the bowl to define each layer and then fill the middle with the rest. This will allow you get that pretty layered look that wows everyone!
    • Remove the seeds from the tomatoes to make sure there’s less liquid. I also use roma (or plum) tomatoes as they have less liquid and seeds in them.
    • This makes a very large amount, so it's perfect to feed a crowd. But you can always cut it down if need be.
    • If you're looking to make this into less of a side dish and more of a full meal, it tastes fantastic with chicken over it (try my Easiest Slow Cooker Taco Meat EVER- it's SO good!)!

    taco salad dressing

    Frequently asked questions about making a layered taco salad

    • Can you make taco salad ahead? Yes! In fact, this also makes an awesome meal prep. That’s exactly why I serve the dressing on the side and I’d probably add the chips just before serving to preserve the crispy texture.
    • How long does this taco salad? Around 4 days covered in the refrigerator.
    • Can I use different ingredients? Totally, switch them out as you’d like. Just be aware that things with a lot of liquid won’t last as long and my not layer well.
    • How do you serve a layered salad? I like to serve it in the big, clear bowl with straight sides like a trifle bowl. And when you actual serve it, be sure to dig the utensils deep, all the way to the bottom to get some of all the delicious flavors!

    how to make taco salad

    Make it a meal!

    A few great recipes to round out and complete this meal would be:

    • The Most Delicious Guacamole Ever
    • Cilantro Cauliflower Rice
    • The Easiest Slow Cooker Taco Meat EVER!
    • 30 Minute Turkey Chili

    healthy taco salad

    Helpful tools:

    1. Chef's knife
    2. Cutting board
    3. Measuring cups
    4. Measuring spoons
    5. Trifle dish
    6. Whisk
    7. Mixing bowl

    layered taco salad

    taco salad

    7 Layer Taco Salad

    Jessy Freimann
    This 7 Layer Taco Salad is an easy recipe to make for parties. Full of delicious Mexican-inspired flavors, you can top it with chicken for a healthy main dish or serve it on it's own as great side dish to pass.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8 servings

    Ingredients
      

    Taco Salad:

    • 1 5 ounce package pre-washed lettuce, chopped
    • 2 15.5 15.5 ounce cans black beans, rinsed and well drained
    • 1 16 ounce bag frozen corn, thawed and well drained
    • 6 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut to a large dice
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1-2 2.25 ounce cans sliced black olives
    • 2 scallions, chopped
    • Added bonus: tortilla chips, crumbled

    Taco Ranch Dressing:

    • 1 cup ranch dressing
    • 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning

    Instructions
     

    Taco salad:

    • In a deep, clear glass bowl, start by placing the lettuce. For each layer, begin by placing it around the perimeter of the bowl to define each layer and then fill the middle with the rest.
    • The second layer is the black beans and the third is the corn.
    • After the corn, add a layer of tomatoes and top it with a layer of cheddar cheese.
    • Finally, sprinkle on the olives, scallions and crumbled tortilla chips if you're craving some crunch.

    Taco Ranch dressing

    • Mix the ranch dressing and taco seasoning until fully combined.
    • Serve on the side of or drizzle over the salad.

    Notes

    Add some chicken or other protein to make this a delicious main dish!
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it 🙂 I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @thelifejolie so I can share it <3

    Other great Mexican-inspired recipes:

    • Super Easy Baked Breakfast Tostadas
    • 20 Minute Taco Pasta
    • Roasted Corn Salsa
    • Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
    • Mexican Bean Salad

    You can find a full index of my recipes here.

    Don’t forget to follow The Life Jolie on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

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    This 7 Layer Taco Salad is an easy recipe to make for parties. Full of delicious Mexican-inspired flavors it's got seven (or more) layers of things like beans, cheese, corn, tomatoes and is served with a creamy taco ranch dressing. Top it with chicken for a healthy main dish or serve it on it's own as great side dish to pass. This is perfect to bring to a Cinco de Mayo get together!
    « Mom's Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
    Olive and Artichoke Tapenade »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia @ Happy Foods Tube says

      April 20, 2017 at 10:09 am

      This salad looks soo pretty! Love all those colorful layers. My mouth is watering here :).
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        April 21, 2017 at 9:16 am

        Thank you Julia :)
        Reply
    2. Platter Talk says

      April 20, 2017 at 10:45 am

      OH! This would be such a perfect lunch for today. I can't wait to try this out. I love the dressing, too.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        April 21, 2017 at 9:15 am

        I ate it for lunch the entire week after taking photos and it was awesome!
        Reply
    3. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

      April 20, 2017 at 10:52 am

      Parenting isn't easy -- frankly, some days I thought it was thankless. But eventually you have a walking, talking functional person. Mine is 21 now and finishing her junior year. In the end it's all worth it! Now that she's legal, I can see us enjoying this dip with a cold beer!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        April 21, 2017 at 9:14 am

        You are so right- some days are great, others are rough! I'm so glad to hear a success story :)
        Reply
    4. karthika says

      April 20, 2017 at 10:54 am

      Oh my goodness! Goodness in a cup. Jessy, loved the recipe and how you have come up with such a healthy dish. They look so refreshing. Bookmarking it
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        April 21, 2017 at 9:13 am

        Thank you Karthika!
        Reply
    5. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:34 am

      Now there's a salad I can get down with! You did great with the pictures!!! And don't worry so much about the kid. She seems super well behaved, and it might just be a thing she picked up from other kids. It'll pass soon.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        April 21, 2017 at 9:05 am

        Thank you for the kind words and the reassurance that it's all a phase! It's easy to forget that but so true!
        Reply
    6. Agness of Run Agness Run says

      April 27, 2017 at 10:45 am

      I love this salad! So healthy and colorful! Can't wait to give it a try!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        May 02, 2017 at 11:43 am

        Thank you!
        Reply

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