Nacho Salad with Creamy Salsa Dressing

White bowl with salad that includes lettuce, ground beef, black beans, tortilla chips, melted cheese, jalapeno slices, lime wedge, and salad dressing.

5 from 2 votes

Nacho Salad with Creamy Salsa Dressing

This nacho salad recipe with creamy salsa dressing is a fun upgrade to the usual taco salad. With gooey cheese, satisfying black beans and the most delicious toppings, this fresh and tasty salad will become your new favorite lunch.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: nacho salad

Servings: serving

Author: Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD

Ingredients

Ground beef

1 lbs lean ground beef
2 tbsp taco seasoning optional
salt and pepper to taste

Salad

8 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce finely chopped
1 can black beans rinsed
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1/3 red onion finely chopped

Nachos

2 cups mini tortilla chips rounds
1 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese or shredded cheese of choice

Dressing

creamy salsa dressing

Instructions

Brown the beef

In a large pan on medium heat, brown the ground beef for 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink. Break up beef with wooden spoon or spatula until beef is in small, uniform crumbles. Add desired seasonings and mix well.

Prepare salad ingredients

Prepare ingredients for salad. In 4 separate bowls, divide lettuce, ground beef, black beans, jalapeños and red onion.

Heat nachos

Spread tortilla chips on microwave-safe plate and top with shredded cheese. Microwave for 15-25 seconds or until cheese is melted and beginning to bubble. If you would prefer, melt cheese under a broiler in the oven, or bake in a toaster oven or air fryer.

Assemble final salad ingredients and serve

Add 1/4 of the nachos directly onto each salad bowl. Top each salad with 2 tbsp creamy salsa dressing and additional toppings of your choice. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

This recipe can be adjusted for a grab-and-go lunch option by preparing ingredients in advance and portioning before serving each day. For 1 serving, you'll need: 1/2 cup cooked ground beef, 2 cups romaine lettuce, 1/3 cup black beans, 1 tbsp sliced jalapeños, 1-2 tbsp red onion, 1/2 cup tortilla chips, 1/3 cup shredded cheese, and 2 tbsp salad dressing.

Nutrition