Tex-Mex Cobb Salad

A fiesta in a bowl! Spiced ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, melted pepper jack cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips piled over fresh greens, all drizzled with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Ground Beef:

1. 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
2. 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 tsp each chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika)
3. ½ tsp garlic powder
4. ½ tsp onion powder
5. Salt & pepper to taste
6. 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Salad:

• 5 oz (about 5 cups) mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or kale)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (grilled, roasted, or canned)
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup tortilla chips, crushed
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

For the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp honey or agave
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Spiced Beef:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Sprinkle with taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned (5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Make the Dressing:

Blend or whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust lime or salt to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• Layer greens in a large bowl or platter.
• Arrange toppings in rows (or toss gently):
• Spiced beef
• Black beans
• Corn
• Avocado
• Pepper jack cheese
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Drizzle with dressing, then top with crushed tortilla chips and cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It:

Bold Tex-Mex Flavors: Smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.

⏱️ Ready in 20 Minutes: Faster than takeout!

Customizable: Swap beef for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Tips & Swaps:

️ Extra Heat? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Dairy-Free? Use vegan cheese and coconut yogurt.

Make It a Bowl: Serve over cilantro-lime rice or quinoa.

⏳ Meal Prep: Store components separately; dress just before eating.