Introducing the Taco Salad Bowl: A delectable medley of vibrant flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This wholesome dish combines crisp lettuce, succulent marinated meat, zesty salsa, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect as a refreshing lunch or a hearty dinner, our Taco Salad Bowl is the ultimate fusion of Mexican cuisine and healthy eating. Indulge in this deliciously satisfying bowl that promises to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
HOMEMADE TACO SALAD SHELL IN THE AIR FRYER
Making a homemade taco salad shell in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. You don’t need any fancy molds to shape the shell – just a square oven safe meal prep container and some cooking spray. Simply spray the container with oil, soften the tortilla in the microwave, and shape it over the container. Then, spray the outside of the tortilla and cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden.
If you prefer an extra crispy shell, you can place it back in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the edges. The homemade taco salad shells made in the air fryer have fewer calories than traditional ones, making them a healthier option. Plus, you can use different types of tortillas like whole wheat, spinach, low carb, or corn to suit your dietary preferences.
HOW TO MAKE A TACO SALAD SHELL AT HOME
Making a homemade taco salad shell is a simple and healthy alternative to the ones you find at restaurants. You don’t need any special molds to shape them; all you need is a square oven-safe meal prep container and some cooking spray. This recipe can be made in either an air fryer or oven, giving you flexibility in how you cook it.
To start, turn your oven safe container upside down and lightly spray it with cooking oil. Microwave a tortilla for 15 seconds to soften it. Then, form the tortilla over the upside-down baking dish and spray the outside with cooking spray. Place it in the oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes until slightly golden. Carefully remove the tortilla from the baking dish and flip it over. For an even crispier taco bowl, put it back in the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes or until extra crispy, being careful not to burn the edges.
Once your homemade taco salad shell is ready, you can fill it with all your favorite taco salad toppings. You can also make crispy tortilla strips by slicing a tortilla into ¼ inch strips, cutting them in half to make them shorter, spreading them out on a tray, lightly spraying them with oil, and seasoning them as desired. Air fry these strips for about 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy. They make a great topping for soups and salads of all kinds.
WHAT TOPPINGS TO PUT IN MY TACO SALAD SHELL
When it comes to filling your homemade taco salad shell, the options are endless. Here are some delicious toppings you can add to create a flavorful and satisfying taco salad:
– Ground beef or chicken: Cooked and seasoned with your favorite taco spices, ground meat adds a hearty protein element to your salad.
– Black beans: A great source of fiber and protein, black beans add texture and flavor to your taco salad.
– Corn: Whether fresh or grilled, corn kernels bring a sweet crunch to your dish.
– Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes provide a juicy burst of flavor.
– Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats to your taco salad.
– Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese is a classic addition that adds creaminess and tanginess.
– Lettuce: Crispy lettuce leaves form the base of your taco salad and provide freshness.
– Salsa or pico de gallo: A spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo adds a zesty kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.
– Sour cream: For a creamy finishing touch, dollop some sour cream on top of your taco salad.
Feel free to customize your toppings based on personal preference. You can also add extras like jalapenos, cilantro, olives, or even guacamole for an extra burst of flavor. The beauty of making homemade taco salad shells is that you have control over what goes into them, allowing you to create a personalized and delicious meal.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE A TACO BOWL
To make a taco bowl, you will need the following ingredients:
- A square oven safe meal prep container
- Cooking spray
- Tortillas (whole wheat, spinach, low carb, or corn)
- Oil for spraying
- Seasonings of your choice
These simple ingredients are all you need to create a delicious and crispy taco bowl at home. Whether you choose a traditional tortilla or opt for a healthier alternative, such as whole wheat or low carb options, the choice is yours. With the help of an oven safe container and some cooking spray, you can easily shape and bake your tortilla into a perfect taco salad shell.
HOW TO MAKE A TACO SALAD BOWL
Making a taco salad bowl at home is easy and doesn’t require any special molds. All you need is a square oven-safe meal prep container and some cooking spray. This homemade version is much healthier than the ones you’ll find at restaurants.
To make the taco salad shell, start by turning your oven-safe container upside down and lightly spraying it with cooking oil. Microwave a tortilla for 15 seconds to soften it, then form it over the baking dish. Spray the outside of the tortilla with cooking spray and place it in the oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes until slightly golden.
Carefully remove the tortilla from the baking dish and flip it over. For an even crispier taco bowl, you can put it back in the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes or until extra crispy. Just be careful not to burn the edges.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY TORTILLA STRIPS
To make crispy tortilla strips, start by slicing a tortilla into ¼ inch strips. Cut the strips in half to make them shorter. Spread the tortilla strips out on a tray and lightly spray with oil. You can use cooking spray or brush the strips with a small amount of oil. Next, season the tortilla strips however you like. You can use salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, or any other seasoning of your choice.
Once the tortilla strips are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then air fry the tortilla strips for about 6-8 minutes until they become crispy and golden brown. Make sure to check on them frequently so they don’t burn.
Once the tortilla strips are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before using them as toppings for soups and salads. They add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor to any dish.
How To Make a Taco Salad Bowl
Making a homemade taco salad shell is easy and doesn’t require any fancy molds. All you need is a square oven safe meal prep container and some cooking spray. This version of the taco salad bowl is much healthier than the ones you’ll find at a restaurant.
To make the taco salad shell, start by turning your oven safe container upside down and lightly spraying it with cooking oil. Microwave a tortilla for 15 seconds to soften it, then form it over the baking dish. Spray the outside of the tortilla and place it in the oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes until slightly golden.
Carefully remove the tortilla from the baking dish and flip it over. For an even crispier taco bowl, you can place it back in the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes or until extra crispy. Just be careful not to burn the edges.
Equipment
To make homemade taco salad shells, you will need the following equipment:
- Square oven safe meal prep container
- Cooking spray
- Air fryer or oven
- Knife for slicing tortillas
- Baking tray for tortilla strips
- Oven safe baking dish
To make taco salad shells in the oven or air fryer, follow these steps:
- Turn your oven safe container upside down and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
- Microwave a tortilla for 15 seconds to soften it.
- Place the softened tortilla over the upside down container, forming it into a bowl shape. Spray the outside of the tortilla with cooking oil.
- If using an oven, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the tortilla bowl for about 8-10 minutes until slightly golden. If using an air fryer, set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the tortilla bowl for the same amount of time.
- Carefully remove the tortilla from the baking dish and flip it over. For even crispier results, place it back in the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes or until extra crispy. Be cautious not to burn the edges.
If you prefer crunchy toppings for your salad without making a tortilla bowl, you can make crispy tortilla strips in the air fryer by following these steps:
- Slice the tortilla into ¼ inch strips, then cut them in half to make them shorter.
- Spread the tortilla strips out on a baking tray and lightly spray with oil. Season them according to your preference.
- Air fry the tortilla strips at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6-8 minutes until crispy.
Ingredients
– Square oven safe meal prep container
– Cooking spray
– Tortillas (whole wheat, spinach, low carb, or corn)
– Oil for spraying
– Seasonings of choice
Instructions
To make the homemade taco salad shell, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray a square oven-safe meal prep container with cooking spray.
Microwave a tortilla for 15 seconds to soften it and make it pliable.
Place the tortilla over the upside-down oven-safe container, forming it into a bowl shape.
Spray the outside of the tortilla with cooking oil and place it in the preheated oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden.
Carefully remove the tortilla from the baking dish and flip it over.
If you prefer an even crispier taco bowl, you can place it back in the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes, or until extra crispy. Be careful not to burn the edges.
Your homemade taco salad shell is now ready to be filled with your favorite taco salad toppings!
Notes
– This homemade taco salad shell recipe can be made in the air fryer or oven. All you need is a square oven safe meal prep container and cooking spray.
– You can make crispy tortilla strips in the air fryer by slicing the tortilla into ¼ inch strips, cutting them in half, spreading them on a tray, lightly spraying with oil, and air frying for 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees until crispy. These strips are great as toppings for soups and salads.
– You can use different types of tortillas such as whole wheat, spinach, low carb, and corn tortillas to make these taco salad shells. Each type will have a slightly different texture but all will come out crispy.
– Tortilla bowls are versatile and can be used for all types of salads as well as dips. They are a healthier alternative to croutons in Caesar salads.
– The homemade taco salad shells have fewer calories than traditional ones, especially if you use a low carb tortilla bowl. The healthiness also depends on the toppings you choose.
– You can make the taco salad shells up to 2 days ahead by letting them cool completely after cooking and storing them in a sealed freezer bag or container.
Nutrition
This homemade taco salad shell recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional taco salad shells found in restaurants. By making your own, you can control the ingredients and reduce the calorie content. Additionally, if you choose to use low carb tortilla bowls, they can be even healthier depending on the toppings you select.
These homemade taco salad shells can be made with various types of tortillas, such as whole wheat, spinach, low carb, and corn. Each type will result in a slightly different texture but all will come out crispy when baked or air fried.
When it comes to toppings for your taco salad shell, the possibilities are endless. Load it up with your favorite taco salad ingredients or use it as a crunchy base for soups and other salads. It’s particularly delicious when used in place of croutons in Caesar salads.
In conclusion, the taco salad bowl is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional tacos. Its combination of fresh ingredients, crunchy tortilla shell, and customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleasing option for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, the taco salad bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you satisfied and nourished.
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