Description
This Seven-Layer Taco Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican-American appetizer featuring layers of refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, fresh vegetables, and olives. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it’s easy to assemble, requires no cooking, and is served chilled with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Layers
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional chopped cilantro for garnish
Serving
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bean Layer: Spread the refried beans evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish or large glass bowl to create a solid base for the salad.
- Mix Sour Cream: In a small bowl, optionally mix the sour cream with a pinch of taco seasoning for extra flavor. Then, spread the sour cream evenly over the refried beans layer.
- Add Guacamole: Spoon and spread the guacamole on top of the sour cream layer, ensuring even coverage to maintain distinct layers.
- Spread Salsa: Layer the salsa or pico de gallo evenly over the guacamole for a fresh and tangy touch.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salsa layer, adding richness to the salad.
- Vegetable Layers: Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions, layering each carefully to keep colors distinct.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top if desired for added freshness and aroma.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the completed salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and chill. Serve chilled with tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For added protein, layer in cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken between the beans and sour cream layers.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make a lighter version of the salad.
- Assemble the salad just before serving when possible to maintain the crispness and freshness of the layers.
