Eat the Rainbow Taco Salad

Basic Taco Salad that pulls together quickly. So how'd I do? Did I get most of the colors of the Rainbow in this one?

I find that Tacos are an easy way to clean out the fridge and sneak in a lot of veggies that may be past their prime. Depending on what I have on hand and the time of year, I may add zucchini, use a different color bell pepper, or even throw in some spinach at the last minute until "wilted". You can also substitute pinto for black beans.

And instead of a taco seasoning packet, I often do a sprinkle of this and that of the spice list below, to make my own taco seasoning mix of sorts. But a packet makes it simpler and quicker. 

Eat The Rainbow Taco Salad Bowl- VegWithMandy.com

makes 4-5 wraps worth, or enough for about 3 salads

In large pan, saute:

• 1 small red onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic*, minced

• 1 orange bell pepper, diced

Sautee x 5-8 mins until mostly tender.

Then, add:

• 15 oz black bean, rinsed/drained

• ½ cup corn (If frozen, briefly run under warm water first)

Season with:

• 1 packet taco seasoning (low sodium, if desired). 

Add:

• About 2-3 Tbsp water, Stir well.

If need more flavor, add pinches "to taste" of:

• Chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt (optional)

Reduce from medium-low to low.

Keep on low x 5 min.

To serve, prep individual bowls with:

• Romaine lettuce, shredded; topped with taco filling and:

• Cherry/grape tomatoes, diced

• Salsa (optional)

-or- my Lazy Pico de gallo.

• Guacamole (my Lazy Guac or store-bought; optional) 

 -or- Avocado, sliced fresh.

Variation - Instead of a taco salad, the taco filling can be placed in tortilla. We like Ole Xtreme Wellness wraps (60 calories, good flavor). Or it can be stirred together and eaten as a “dip” with tortilla chips (lettuce omitted).

Notes: *I keep a bottle of minced garlic in the fridge, for convenience.

If extra hungry, any leftover rice or roasted potatoes from the fridge can be warmed and added to the bowl or tortilla.

The flavor of this dish is fairly mild, depending on your seasoning packet, so sometimes I stir in a few Tbsp salsa to the filling while in the skillet.