Jun 09 2026
Restaurants›Hacienda Colorado›Classic Taco Salad Recipe

Classic Taco Salad Recipe

Inspired by Hacienda Colorado
Time45m
Serves4

romaine | avocados | grape tomatoes | black beans | grilled corn | cheddar | monterey jack | homemade tortilla shell | ranch or jalapeño ranch | ground beef • pulled chicken • grilled chicken

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Salad Base

Protein Options

Homemade Tortilla Shell

Dressings

Method

Preparation of Salad Base

  1. 1

    Prepare the Romaine Lettuce

    Rinse the romaine lettuce under cold water, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large salad bowl.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Avocados

    Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Cut into cubes and add to the salad bowl.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Grape Tomatoes

    Rinse the grape tomatoes and cut them in half. Add them to the salad bowl.

  4. 4

    Prepare the Black Beans

    Open the can of black beans, rinse under cold water, and drain. Incorporate into the salad bowl.

  5. 5

    Add Grilled Corn

    If using frozen grilled corn, thaw it and add to the salad bowl. If using fresh corn, grill it until charred, then cut the kernels off the cob and add to the bowl.

  6. 6

    Add Cheeses

    Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then sprinkle them over the salad.

Protein Preparation

  1. 7

    Cook Ground Beef

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.

  2. 8

    Prepare Pulled Chicken

    If using pulled chicken, ensure it is warmed and ready to serve. Shred it with two forks if necessary.

  3. 9

    Grill Chicken Breast

    Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let cool before slicing.

Homemade Tortilla Shells

  1. 10

    Fry the Tortillas

    In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add one tortilla at a time, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and shape them into bowls while they cool.

Assembly and Serving

  1. 11

    Combine Ingredients

    Once all components are ready, either combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl or layer them in individual tortilla bowls.

  2. 12

    Add Protein

    Top each salad with your choice of ground beef, pulled chicken, or grilled chicken.

  3. 13

    Dress the Salad

    Drizzle your preferred dressing (ranch or jalapeño ranch) over the top of the salad. Serve immediately.

More from Hacienda Colorado