Description
This vibrant 7 Layer Taco Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines fresh lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, black olives, scallions, and crunchy tortilla chips. Topped with a zesty taco ranch dressing, it’s perfect for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal or party appetizer that serves 8.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Layers
- 5 ounces pre-washed lettuce, chopped
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and well drained
- 16 ounces frozen corn, thawed and well drained
- 6 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut into large dice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 (2.25 ounce) cans sliced black olives
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips
Taco Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the bowl and lettuce layer: Take a deep, clear glass bowl and start by adding the chopped lettuce. Place the lettuce around the perimeter to define the first layer, then fill the center with the remaining lettuce.
- Add the black beans layer: Carefully spread the rinsed and drained black beans evenly on top of the lettuce, again decorating around the edges first and filling the middle afterwards.
- Add the corn layer: Layer the thawed and drained frozen corn on top of the black beans, maintaining the perimeter-first approach for a layered presentation.
- Add the tomatoes and cheese: Spread the seeded, diced Roma tomatoes as the next layer, and then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the tomatoes.
- Top with olives, scallions, and tortilla chips: Finish the salad by sprinkling sliced black olives, chopped scallions, and crumbled tortilla chips to add texture and crunch.
- Prepare taco ranch dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with taco seasoning until fully combined to create the taco ranch dressing.
- Serve: Serve the taco ranch dressing on the side or drizzle it evenly over the layered salad just before serving.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium black beans and ranch dressing.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.
- Add avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or spice if desired.
- Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated; add tortilla chips just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Use fresh homemade ranch dressing for a healthier twist.
