Taco salad is a delicious Tex-Mex dish that is typically dressed with a mixture of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese. However, there are many ways to craft tasty taco salad dressings without relying on salsa. In fact, you can make a variety of flavorful salsa-free taco salad dressing ideas. For example, ranch dressing is a cool, creamy choice that pairs perfectly with taco salad. Additionally, a bright herby cilantro lime vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the Tex-Mex flavors.
Furthermore, avocado dressing gives a lush texture and nutty flavor. Likewise, Greek yogurt makes a tangy, protein-packed dressing. Ultimately, with creative ingredients like lime, garlic, taco seasoning, and cilantro, you can whip up delicious salsa-free taco salad dressings at home.
Taco Salad Dressing Without Salsa
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a cool, creamy dressing that pairs perfectly with taco salad. Make your own ranch at home by combining:
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Ranch dressing can be drizzled over taco salad or served on the side for dipping tortilla chips.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
For a fresh, flavorful taco salad dressing, make a simple cilantro lime vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic and honey. Puree until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour over taco salad just before serving and toss to coat.
The bright, herby cilantro lime dressing is the perfect complement to taco salad’s Tex-Mex flavors.
Creamy Avocado Dressing
For a cool, creamy dressing without dairy, blend up an avocado dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a blender, combine the avocado, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic and cumin. Puree until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle over taco salad.
The avocado gives this dressing a lush texture and nutty flavor.
Greek Yogurt Dressing
Greek yogurt makes a tangy, protein-packed dressing for taco salad.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, taco seasoning and cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top your taco salad with big dollops of the Greek yogurt dressing.
The Greek yogurt dressing has a nice cooling contrast to the warm taco meat and peppers.
Creamy Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
For an ultra-creamy dressing, use tangy buttermilk and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a blender, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, cilantro, garlic and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle over taco salad.
The cilantro gives great fresh flavor to this creamy, cooling dressing.
Oil and Vinegar Dressing
A simple vinaigrette of oil and vinegar is a light taco salad dressing option.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic and oregano.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle over taco salad and toss just before serving.
The classic vinaigrette lets the flavors of the taco salad ingredients shine.
Can I Use Taco Sauce Instead Of Salsa?
If you don’t have salsa on hand, taco sauce can make a great substitute in taco salad dressings. Taco sauce has a similar flavor profile to salsa – tomatoed, spiced and tangy. Common brands like Taco Bell or Ortega taco sauce work well.
Start by using about the same amount of taco sauce that the recipe calls for in salsa, and adjust to taste. You may want to add a bit of extra seasoning like cumin or chili powder to give it more depth. The vinegar in taco sauce also brings a nice bright acidity. Just keep in mind that taco sauce is usually thinner than salsa.
For a thicker dressing, you may want to mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream to compensate. Overall, taco sauce can mimic the flavor of salsa very closely and makes an accessible pantry swap.
Can Taco Salad Be Served Cold?
Absolutely! In fact, taco salad is often served chilled, which can be really refreshing on a hot day. The crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and other veggies taste great cold and complement the warm taco meat nicely. Just prepare the salad as you normally would, but don’t heat up or warm the components like the shell, lettuce and diced tomatoes. You can even chill the dressing and meat separately before assembling the full salad. The flavors and textures still shine through when served cold. Top with chilled dressing rather than hot sauce for the best cold effect.
Can You Use Salsa As A Salad Dressing?
Using salsa as dressing is a tasty way to add zesty flavor to salads beyond just taco salad. Many tomato-based salsas work great drizzled over leafy greens, grains and veggie salads. Try using a fresher pico de gallo style salsa rather than a thick, chunky salsa which can be unwieldy. You may want to thin it out slightly with a little oil and vinegar. Add some cilantro, lime juice or a pinch of sugar to brighten up canned salsa. Just don’t use an extremely potent salsa or it may overpower the other ingredients. Start with 3-4 tablespoons and toss through the salad for a spicy kick.
FAQ
What ingredients can I use to make a tasty taco salad dressing without salsa?
Some good ingredients to make salsa-free taco salad dressings include ranch dressing mix, Greek yogurt, lime juice, avocado, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, taco seasoning, vinegar, buttermilk, and sour cream.
What are some quick and easy taco salad dressings I can make?
Easy homemade taco salad dressings include ranch dressing, Greek yogurt dressing, and simple oil and vinegar vinaigrettes. You can make these in just 5 minutes by combining a few ingredients like yogurt, oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
What dressing ingredients complement taco salad’s flavors?
Ingredients like cilantro, lime, avocado, taco seasoning, cumin, and oregano help complement the Tex-Mex flavors in taco salad. Creamy ingredients like yogurt, buttermilk and avocado also pair nicely with the crunchy lettuce.
Can I use store-bought dressings on taco salad?
Yes, many store-bought dressings like ranch, Greek yogurt dressing and vinaigrettes work well tossed with taco salad. Just avoid ones with overpowering flavors that will clash.
What’s an easy dressing I can make with ingredients I already have at home?
An easy vinaigrette can be made with oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano and salt and pepper. Greek yogurt dressing only requires yogurt, lime juice, garlic, taco seasoning and cilantro.
Conclusion
With its crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes and more, taco salad is already packed with flavor. But the right dressing can take it to the next level. Luckily, you can make delicious taco salad dressings without salsa too. Options like creamy ranch, tangy Greek yogurt, bright cilantro lime, rich avocado and simple oil and vinegar all let the taco salad ingredients shine. With a flavorful salsa-free dressing, you can enjoy fresh, delicious taco salads at home.
