7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe
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7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe
This 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe is a plant-based dream! Packed with layers of fresh veggies, creamy toppings, and flavorful plant-based meat crumbles, it’s the ultimate healthy and delicious meal. Whether you're meal-prepping or serving it up for taco night, this salad brings all the bold taco flavors you love in a lighter, meat-free way. Meat + Dairy Option.
I’m totally obsessed with tacos—they're my jam! But I also have a soft spot for a good hearty salad. So, naturally, I’ve mixed the two together before with my Chicken Taco Salad. But I wanted to take my taco love to the next level, which is how this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe came to life! It’s got all those amazing crunchy, creamy, and crispy textures you crave, and it's a fun, lighter spin on the classic 7-layer dip.
I’ve made this salad totally plant-based using a yummy plant-based meat crumble, but if you’re craving the real deal, you can easily swap in ground beef or turkey. You can use your favorite taco seasoning—store-bought or my homemade version—for that explosion of flavor! With so many layers of deliciousness, this salad is perfect for your next dinner party or potluck.
If you’re in the mood for more taco goodness, check out these tasty plant-based options: Meatless Birria Tacos with Jackfruit, Vegan Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos, Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos, Crispy BBQ Pinto Bean Tacos, and Spicy Sofritas Quinoa Tacos.
Jump to:
- What Is A 7-Layer Taco Salad?
- Why You Will LOVE This 7-Layer Taco Salad
- How To Make 7-Layer Taco Salad
- Ingredients
- How To Assemble This 7 Layer Taco Salad
- More Topping Ideas 7-Layer Taco Salad
- Can I Use Regular Cheese Instead of Dairy-free Cheese?
- Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
- 7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe Q + A's
- More Delicious + Flavorful Taco Recipes To Try
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- 7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe [Plant-based]
What Is A 7-Layer Taco Salad?
A 7-Layer Taco Salad is like a fresh spin on the viral 7-Layer Taco Dip. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy all those taco flavors you love but in salad form.
Imagine digging into a vibrant salad with layers of crunchy lettuce, seasoned beans, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, zesty cheese, and crispy tortilla chips, all drizzled with ranch, guac, and pico de gallo. Just scoop out a serving and enjoy the burst of textures and flavors—it's like a tasty party in every bite!
Why You Will LOVE This 7-Layer Taco Salad
- It’s packed with all your favorite taco flavors, making it a fun twist on a classic.
- The layers of textures—from crunchy to creamy—keep every bite exciting.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.
- It's a great option for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or potlucks!
How To Make 7-Layer Taco Salad
Basically, all you need to do is whip up your plant-based taco "meat" and prepare the other layers. Then, just assemble everything together! Check out the recipe card below for all the details.
Ingredients
PLANT-BASED TACO 'MEAT':
- Plant-based meat crumble. Gardein or Beyond Beef has some great options! You can also use ground beef or turkey if you eat meat!
- Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
- Garlic cloves. Minced.
- Tomato paste. This is my secret flavor enhancer and the thing that gives this dish some color.
- Taco seasoning. Homemade or store-bought.
- Vegetable stock. Use store-bought low-sodium broth or make your own!
SALAD:
- Greens. Chopped (You can use lettuce, kale, etc)
- Tomatoes. Diced.
- Sautéed black beans.
- Sweet corn. Cooked and cut off the cob.
- Dairy-free cheddar shreds. Violife has a great option but feel free to use your favorite, and if you eat dairy you can always use regular cheddar.
- Onion. Diced.
- Tortilla chips. I use Xochitl -- Ensure that it's GF-friendly if you want to make this entirely gluten-free!
- Vegan ranch dressing/sauce. You can use homemade, store bought, or regular ranch if you eat dairy!
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Pico de Gallo. Try my homemade recipe!
- Guacamole. You can also sub with avocado slices if desired.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THESE TACOS!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Assemble This 7 Layer Taco Salad
To build your salad, a trifle bowl works best because it shows off all those gorgeous layers!
- Start with your favorite chopped greens, then add diced tomatoes, diced onions, sautéed black beans, and sweet corn.
- Drizzle on some vegan ranch dressing, followed by the plant-based taco meat and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Don't forget to top it off with crunchy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch!
- If you want to take it up a notch, a little pico de gallo or guacamole makes a fantastic finishing touch.
More Topping Ideas 7-Layer Taco Salad
Here are some more ideas if you absolutely love piling on the toppings for your taco salad!
- Roasted red peppers
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Herb roasted tomatoes
- Dairy-free Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- Vegan bacon bits or if you aren't vegan try my Candied Bacon!
- Salsa or pico de Gallo
- Queso
- Grilled pineapple
- Shredded red cabbage
Can I Use Regular Cheese Instead of Dairy-free Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not following a dairy-free diet, feel free to swap in your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta would work great in this salad! Just layer it in for that extra creamy goodness.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Just layer everything in the trifle bowl, but hold off on adding the tortilla chips and any fresh toppings like guacamole until right before serving to keep them crunchy + fresh.
7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe Q + A's
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator covered tightly for several hours or overnight. When serving, be sure to toss if desired.
Yes! If you prefer ground beef or turkey, feel free to swap it in for the plant-based meat. Just be sure to season it well for that taco flavor!
Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or use a spicier taco seasoning for an extra kick.
No worries! You can use any large serving dish. Just layer everything as you would in a trifle bowl; the key is to keep those layers visible!
For sure! Just use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
More Delicious + Flavorful Taco Recipes To Try
If you are a fan of this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe, you will also love these other drool-worthy tacos!
- Vegan Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos
- Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
- Easy Vegan Black Bean Tacos
- Chipotle BBQ Butternut Squash Tacos
- BBQ Cauliflower Tacos
- Gochujang Shrimp Tacos
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this 7 Layer Taco Salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
7 Layer Taco Salad Recipe [Plant-based]
Ingredients
PLANT-BASED TACO 'MEAT':
- 1 (14 oz.) bag plant-based meat crumble
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Tbsps tomato paste
- 2 tsps taco seasoning
- 1 cup organic vegetable stock
SALAD:
- 5 cups your fave greens, chopped (You can use lettuce, kale, etc)
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups sautéed black beans
- 2 cups cooked sweet corn
- 2 cups dairy-free cheddar shreds
- 1 onion, diced
- tortilla chips, organic
- 1-2 cups vegan ranch dressing/sauce
Instructions
TO MAKE THE PLANT-BASED TACO 'MEAT':
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil until heated. Add the minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute or so, until fragrant. Add the meat crumbles, stirring until combined and the meat begins to brown, while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add the tomato paste, veggies stock, and taco seasoning, stirring until combined. Let everything bubble for 1 minute or so before reducing the heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer a bit, about 10-15 minutes-----until the sauce becomes fragrant and thickened from the meat. Set aside and let cool.
ASSEMBLY:
- In a trifle bowl, be sure to layer everything in the following order: your fave chopped greens, diced tomatoes, diced onions, sautéed black beans, cooked corn, vegan ranch dressing, plant-based taco meat, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips. For a final garnish, you can add pico de gallo or guacamole, if desired.
- To serve, scoop through the layers and onto your favorite plate or bowl and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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