Dressed up Taco Salad

Dressed up Taco Salad


Salad:
1 head of chopped romaine lettuce 
1 cup frozen corn, thawed  
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup of diced  Pico de Gallo or tomato 
1 – 2  chopped red, green and/or yellow peppers
4 green onions, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
Topping: pre-package tortilla strips for topping (sold by salad ingredients )


Beef:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder*
2 tsp cumin*
2/3 cup salsa
Salt & pepper to taste 
*more chili powder/cumin to taste 

Saute ground beef, onions, jalapeno and garlic until cooked through. Stir in chili powder and cumin and allow to cook for about a minute. Add salsa and salt and pepper and cook medium-low heat for 5 minutes (add a little water if too thick).


Dressing (Please don't skip this -- it really ties the salad together)!

2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 lime, zested
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 jalapeno pepper - seeded and membranes removed
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp chili powder (or more)Salt and pepper

Blend all ingredients together in a blender – set in refrigerator until needed! 

NOTE:
I make the pre make the salad up and refrigerate. At dinner time, I serve it up on plates, and add the beef, avocado, and tortilla strips at serving time. Serve dressing on the side for everyone to use. Then, un-used salad can be saved for tomorrow!

adapted from a listing on Pinterest: Mi Cocina Salad - which takes you to meals 101 - Link:http://themealplanner.blogspot.com/2009/07/nacho-ordinary-taco-salad-with-creamy.html