If you are looking for a fresh, hearty, and utterly satisfying dish, the Ground Beef Salad with Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. This vibrant salad combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with crisp romaine, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a hint of zesty lime, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious meal that feels indulgent yet light, effortlessly coming together in less than 30 minutes. Whether for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, this salad delivers on taste and nourishment in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this salad are wonderfully straightforward but play incredibly important roles in building layers of flavor, freshness, and texture. Each component brings its own unique character to the dish, making it delicious and well-rounded.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The protein-packed star that adds rich, savory depth with every bite.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef nicely and adds a smooth richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, aromatic flavor without overpowering the beef.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the meat seasoning.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Brings a mild smoky warmth that elevates the ground beef beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, forming the perfect crunchy base.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cucumber, sliced: Adds cool, crisp notes that brighten the salad.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced: Sharp and slightly sweet, for a touch of bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy and flavorful, it brings richness and variety.
- 1 avocado, diced: Silky smooth texture and buttery flavor that complement the beef.
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional): A pop of natural sweetness and color, perfect if you want a little extra crunch.
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional): Fresh herbal brightness to lift the entire salad.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds a citrusy zing that ties the ingredients together perfectly.
- Ranch or your favorite dressing: Creamy or tangy dressings add moisture and flavor to every forkful.
How to Make Ground Beef Salad with Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This ensures the beef cooks evenly and browns beautifully, developing those irresistible caramelized bits. Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to bring out a balanced and hearty flavor. Once cooked through, take the skillet off the heat and let the beef cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the fresh salad ingredients later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Salad Base
While the beef is cooking, assemble the salad base in a large bowl. Combine the crisp chopped romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes sliced in halves, fresh cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion. These ingredients offer a lively crunch and a refreshing contrast to the warm, tender beef. The colors alone will brighten up any table and invite you to dig in.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Avocado
Next, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced avocado. The cheese adds a creamy, salty layer of flavor while the avocado brings its luxurious, buttery texture. These two ingredients make the salad feel indulgent without overpowering the fresh vegetables or seasoned beef.
Step 4: Incorporate Optional Ingredients
If you’re using corn and cilantro, add those into the mix now. Corn lends natural sweetness and a hint of pop, while cilantro infuses a herbaceous note that brightens every bite. These optional ingredients let you customize the salad to your taste and mood.
Step 5: Dress and Combine
Finish by drizzling the fresh juice of one lime over the salad for that uplifting tang. Then add your chosen dressing, ranch being a classic choice for its creamy tang that complements the beef and vegetables so beautifully. You can either gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients or keep it layered for a visually striking presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of warm and cool textures.
How to Serve Ground Beef Salad with Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch of flair, sprinkle extra cilantro or a few more lime wedges on the side for guests to add their preferred amount of zest. A handful of chopped green onions or some thinly sliced jalapeño peppers can add a little spice and crunch. These garnishes don’t just elevate the look—they awaken your taste buds as well.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile but pairs especially well with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy pita bread to scoop up every delicious bite. For a heartier accompaniment, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of black bean soup or a classic corn chowder. These sides complement the salad’s fresh flavors and protein-packed elements perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve this ground beef salad layered in individual mason jars so the colors show through, making an eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, scoop the salad into halved avocados or grilled bell pepper boats for a fun and edible serving vessel. These ideas bring a little extra wow factor while keeping things fresh and appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the ground beef and salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and prevent sogginess. The beef stays flavorful in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the salad base is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for crispness.
Freezing
Although you can freeze cooked ground beef, it’s not ideal to freeze the entire salad with fresh produce due to texture changes. If you want to freeze components, portion the seasoned ground beef and freeze it separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and add fresh salad ingredients when ready to serve.
Reheating
For reheating the ground beef, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through, being careful not to dry it out. Then simply toss with fresh salad ingredients to recreate the vibrant texture and flavors of the original dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine lettuce is ideal for its crunch and mild flavor, you can substitute with iceberg, butter lettuce, or even mixed greens depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this salad suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, this Ground Beef Salad with Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado Recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip the optional corn. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re watching your carb intake but still want a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
You can adapt this salad by swapping ground beef for a plant-based protein like cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or seasoned tofu crumbles. The fresh vegetables and avocado will still shine through beautifully.
What dressings work best with this salad?
Ranch dressing is a classic pairing, but feel free to experiment with balsamic vinaigrette, cilantro-lime dressing, or even a chipotle mayo for a smoky kick. Each adds a unique personality to the salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the individual ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Store the cooked beef and salad components separately in the fridge until ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both nourishing and exciting to eat, I can’t recommend the Ground Beef Salad with Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado Recipe enough. It’s so easy to make but packed with bold flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this salad brings joy to any table. So grab your skillet and fresh veggies, and dive into this delicious experience today!
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Ground Beef Salad with Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, and Avocado Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. Featuring lean ground beef seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika, served over a fresh mix of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cheddar cheese, and avocado. Enhanced with lime juice and your favorite dressing, this salad combines protein-packed ingredients with crisp, vibrant veggies for a satisfying and colorful main course.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lime
- Ranch or your favorite dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and corn kernels if using. Add chopped cilantro if desired for extra freshness.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the warm, cooked ground beef on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle the juice of one lime and your preferred ranch or other dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients or serve layered according to preference.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, omit the corn kernels.
- Try substituting taco seasoning for the spices to give the salad a Tex-Mex twist.
- Serve with tortilla chips on the side to add a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
