Description
A fun and festive Taco Salad Flag recipe perfect for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and chips arranged to resemble the American flag.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
Salad Base and Toppings
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 2 cups blue corn tortilla chips
- 1 cup refried beans (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens nicely. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly, preparing the seasoned meat layer.
- Prepare the Platter Base: On a large rectangular serving platter, evenly spread the chopped romaine lettuce to create a fresh and crisp base layer.
- Assemble the Flag Design: Spoon the seasoned taco meat evenly across the lettuce in the shape of a flag. Then, create alternating stripes using shredded cheddar cheese and halved cherry tomatoes to represent red stripes.
- Create the Flag’s Blue Field: Arrange the blue corn tortilla chips in the upper-left corner of the platter to represent the flag’s blue field. Top these chips with sliced black olives to mimic the stars.
- Add Sour Cream Details: Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe lines of sour cream between the cheese and tomato stripes to enhance the flag design and add creamy texture.
- Chill and Serve: Optionally chill the assembled salad slightly before serving to meld flavors. Serve with extra blue corn tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and enjoyment.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for patriotic celebrations such as 4th of July or Memorial Day.
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Layer refried beans under the taco meat for added texture and flavor if desired.
