Taco Wedge Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing

Let’s be real—salads don’t usually get a lot of excitement. But this Taco Wedge Salad? Oh, it’s different. Think crisp iceberg wedges draped in a smoky, tangy chipotle lime dressing, loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips. Every bite has flavor, texture, and a little bit of fiesta in your mouth. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s the perfect balance of fresh, indulgent, and downright addictive.

Whether you’re making it for Taco Tuesday, a weeknight dinner, or a casual get-together, this salad hits all the right notes. The dressing is zesty, creamy, and just a touch smoky, while the salad itself is packed with color, crunch, and protein. Bonus: it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy day but impressive enough to serve to friends.

Recipe Origin

Wedge salads have been a classic in American cuisine for decades, but adding a taco twist brings a fun, flavorful spin to the tradition. The combination of crisp iceberg, creamy avocado, tangy dressing, and seasoned beef is inspired by Tex-Mex flavors and modern “bowl” meals that everyone loves.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For the dressing and salad assembly.
Whisk: To combine the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Large Skillet: To cook the seasoned ground beef.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate seasoning.
Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and avocado.
Serving Platter: Wedge salads look gorgeous when served as individual quarters.

Why You’ll Love Taco Wedge Salad

Flavorful

Creamy chipotle lime dressing meets savory, spiced beef for a flavor-packed meal.

Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.

Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves a wedge salad, especially one loaded with taco flavors.

Customizable

Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles, or add extra toppings like corn or black beans.

Fresh and Colorful

Bright cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro make it as pretty as it is delicious.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Toast tortilla strips for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use ripe avocado for creamy texture.
• Don’t overdress the wedges—drizzle just enough to coat.
• Serve immediately after assembly to keep the iceberg crisp.

Ingredients in Chipotle Lime Dressing

(Note: full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Mayonnaise

Adds creaminess and body to the dressing.

Sour Cream

Provides tanginess and a silky texture.

Whole Milk

Thins the dressing to perfect drizzling consistency.

Lime Juice

Brightens flavors and adds a fresh zesty kick.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

Adds depth and subtle savory notes.

Chipotle Powder

Gives smoky heat that complements the taco flavors.

Kosher Salt

Enhances all the other flavors in the dressing.

Ingredients in Taco Wedge Salad

Ground Beef

The hearty, savory protein that’s seasoned perfectly with taco spices.

Taco Seasoning & Water

Adds classic Tex-Mex flavor while keeping the beef juicy.

Iceberg Lettuce

Crisp, refreshing, and the perfect base for the toppings.

Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and juicy, they balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

Red Onion

Adds sharpness and bite, finely diced to keep it subtle.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Melty, sharp, and perfect for flavor contrast.

Avocado

Creamy, buttery, and a nice balance to the tangy dressing.

Black Olives

Adds briny, savory flavor to complement the other toppings.

Tortilla Strips

Optional but highly recommended for crunch.

Cilantro & Jalapeños

Optional garnishes to add freshness and heat.

Instructions

Make the Chipotle Lime Dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water; simmer until thickened and flavorful.

Prepare the Lettuce Wedges

Remove outer leaves and core a large head of iceberg lettuce. Cut into quarters to form wedges.

Assemble the Salad

Place each wedge on a serving plate. Top with seasoned beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar, diced avocado, black olives, and tortilla strips.

Drizzle Dressing and Garnish

Spoon chipotle lime dressing over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450 (depending on toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Taco Wedge Salad

• As a standalone dinner salad with protein-packed beef.
• Pair with chips and salsa for a full Tex-Mex meal.
• Make it lighter by swapping beef for turkey or beans.
• Serve as an appetizer by making mini wedge versions.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prepare the dressing ahead of time; store in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Cook and season the beef in advance; reheat before serving.
• Assemble salad just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.

Variations to Try

• Swap iceberg for romaine for a different texture.
• Add roasted corn or black beans for extra fiber.
• Use a smoky chipotle yogurt dressing for lighter calories.
• Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.

Additional Tips

• Make it vegetarian with seasoned black beans or plant-based beef crumbles.
• For extra heat, drizzle a little hot sauce over the wedges.
• Layer ingredients evenly so every bite has a balance of protein, veggies, and cheese.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad vegan?
A1: Yes! Use plant-based ground “beef,” vegan mayo, and skip the cheese.

Q2: Can I prep the salad in advance?
A2: Prep the toppings and dressing ahead, but assemble just before serving.

Q3: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A3: Yes, though freshly shredded melts better if you’re serving warm beef.

Q4: Can I swap iceberg lettuce?
A4: Romaine or butter lettuce works, but wedges may not hold as well.

Q5: How spicy is this salad?
A5: Mild by default, but add jalapeños or extra chipotle powder for heat.

Q6: Can I make it gluten-free?
A6: Yes, just use gluten-free taco seasoning and tortilla strips.

Q7: How long does the dressing last?
A7: Up to 3 days in the fridge.

Q8: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of beef?
A8: Absolutely! Shred and season with taco spices.

Q9: Can this be served as meal prep?
A9: Yes, just keep dressing and avocado separate until serving.

Q10: Are tortilla strips necessary?
A10: Optional, but they add the perfect crunch.

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Conclusion

This Taco Wedge Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing is a fresh, flavorful, and fun twist on classic Tex-Mex flavors. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for entertaining, and full of textures and flavors everyone will love. Crispy lettuce, creamy dressing, spicy-sweet beef, and melty cheese come together for a salad you’ll want again and again. Dig in, savor every bite, and don’t forget the tortilla strips—they’re the cherry on top!

Watch how to make this crunchy and colorful salad with a taco twist