Best Vegetarian Taco Salad
This easy vegetarian taco salad recipe features crispy red quinoa, fresh grilled corn, creamy spicy dressing, avocado, and a blend of Mexican cheese. A flavorful, healthy meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1-2 Large Romaine Hearts, chopped
- 2 Ears of Grilled Corn, kernels cut off the cob
- 1 cup Red Quinoa, cooked *yields 3 cups cooked
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
Toppings
- 1-2 Avocados, chopped *more or less to preference
- Mixed shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
- Tortilla Strips
- 1 jar Salsa *topped on each serving to preference
- Sour Cream *optional
- Lime, cut into wedges *optional, to spritz over salad for extra lime flavor
Creamy Spicy Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ¾ cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ teaspoon White Vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
- pinch Cayenne Pepper
- dash of Hot Sauce
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- 1-2 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice *thin to preference
Instructions
Salad
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of red quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- While the quinoa cooks, make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and pourable. Adjust lime juice as needed for consistency. Set aside. *see below for details
- Crisp the quinoa: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread cooled quinoa in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle taco seasoning over top, and toss to coat. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp and lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Chop the romaine: Rinse and dry 2 hearts of romaine, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep the corn: Slice kernels off 2 grilled ears of corn and set aside.
- Assemble the salad: In bowls or on a platter, layer chopped romaine, grilled corn, crispy quinoa, shredded cheese, and any optional toppings like salsa, crushed chips, avocado, or sour cream.
- Add dressing and serve: Drizzle with the creamy spicy dressing and serve with a lime wedge for spritzing, if desired.
Creamy Spicy Dressing
- Mix together the Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt until fully combined.
- Add white vinegar, hot sauce, garlic, and spices. Whisk or stir to combine.
- Whisk the lime juice into the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices to taste, including hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
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