Patriotic Taco Salad

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A festive summer recipe, this Patriotic Taco Salad is filled with taco favorites and decorated to resemble the American flag.

Prep Time30

Cook Time0

Chill Time1

Total Time1 30

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: patriotic taco salad

Servings:

Calories: 145kcal

Author: Lois

Get Recipe Ingredients

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir the taco seasoning into the drained beef and set aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Spread this mixture evenly in a 9x12 casserole dish.
Layer the seasoned beef evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, followed by a layer of shredded lettuce.
In the top left corner, arrange sliced olives to form a blue square.
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut stars out of cheese slices and place them on top of the olives.
Arrange halved grape tomatoes in rows, leaving space for the mozzarella.
Place mozzarella cheese strips between the tomato rows to create the stripes.

Cut the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise so they lay flat and stay in place when creating the flag design on top.

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing—it blends more smoothly with the sour cream and taco seasoning for a creamy, lump-free base.

Drain any excess grease from the browned ground beef before adding seasoning to prevent the dip from becoming too oily.

Choose a chunky salsa to give the dip more texture and a festive, hearty appearance. If you’re sensitive to spice, stick with mild or medium salsa.

Chill the taco salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the layers set and the flavors come together.

Add the lettuce and flag toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.