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Beef Taco Salad Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Beef Taco Salad Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Beef Taco Salad Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing deliver a fresh, colorful, and flavorful meal combining seasoned juicy ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy veggies, and a tangy creamy dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances hearty protein with refreshing textures, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Base and Toppings

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, torn
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Season generously with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust lime juice or seasoning to taste for the perfect creamy cilantro lime dressing.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In individual serving bowls, layer torn romaine lettuce as the base. Top with cooked seasoned beef, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, and sliced avocado. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each bowl.
  4. Drizzle and Serve: Generously drizzle the creamy cilantro lime dressing over each salad bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Brown beef properly by avoiding overcrowding the pan to ensure it crisps instead of steams.
  • Use fresh cilantro for a bright and lively dressing flavor.
  • Chop veggies and prepare dressing a day ahead to save time on busy nights.
  • Balance textures by mixing creamy avocado with crunchy lettuce and crisp onions.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning of beef and dressing for optimal flavor harmony.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco salad, creamy cilantro lime dressing, quick dinner, healthy salad, taco bowl, gluten free, easy meal prep