Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
If you’re craving a fun and flavorful appetizer that packs a punch of taste in a mini, bite-sized form, these Taco Salad Cups are exactly what you need. Blending the zestiness of traditional taco salads with the convenience of handheld munchies, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Why You Will Love Making Taco Salad Cups
There’s something truly special about turning classic dishes into miniature delights. Here are a few reasons why these taco salad cups will become your go-to appetizer:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, anyone can whip up these cups in no time.
- Perfect Party Food: Their size makes them ideal for finger food at parties, and they’re sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the fillings based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious.
- Fun for Kids: Kids love the novelty of miniaturized food, making these cups a great way to get them excited about eating their veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Taco Salad Cups with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making taco salad cups is a breeze, and the end result is so rewarding. Here’s how you can create these little bites of joy:
Preparing the Cups
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab your 12-cup muffin pan and give it a good spray with cooking spray. This is your secret weapon to prevent sticking and achieve that golden crispiness. Now, take each tortilla, give it a light spray on both sides, and nestle it into the muffin tin. This forms the bowl of your taco cups.
Baking Time
Pop those tortillas in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crispiness that’ll hold all the delicious fillings you’re about to prepare.
Cooking the Filling
While those cups are getting crispy, it’s time to cook up the ground turkey. Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey to a nice browned perfection. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa to mix all those flavors together.
Assembling the Cups
Now, for the fun part – assembling. Take those crispy cups out of the oven and spoon in the ground turkey mixture. Top them off with a generous helping of iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and avocado.
Each layer adds a burst of flavor and texture. Squeeze a bit of lime over each cup for that final touch that brings it all together. And there you have it, taco salad cups ready to steal the show.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Let’s make sure your taco salad cups turn out perfect every time with these handy tips and tricks. Trust me, a little extra know-how can take your cups from great to absolutely amazing.
- Go Fresh: Use fresh veggies and quality ingredients. It makes all the difference in flavor, especially with the salsa and taco seasoning.
- Tortilla Tips: Press those tortillas into the muffin tin just right to avoid tears. If they puff up, gently press down after baking.
- Other Meats: Ground chicken, ground beef, or ground pork all work well in this recipe. Use what you have on hand!
- Heat Things Up: Love a bit of spice? Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your turkey mix for that extra kick.
- Veggie Options: Making it vegetarian is easy. Swap the turkey for black beans, lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute to keep all the yummy flavors.
- Serving Tips: Serve them on a large platter with extra lime wedges and a variety of your favorite toppings on the side. A dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheddar cheese, or slices of black olives can make your taco salad cups both look and taste fantastic.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the components ahead of time, like baking the cups and cooking the filling. However, for the best texture and taste, assemble them just before serving to avoid soggy cups.
- Gluten-free: To make them gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas available in most grocery stores.
- Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, simply skip the shredded cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also use dairy-free sour cream or a dollop of guacamole as toppings.
How to Store Leftover Taco Salad Cups
Got some leftovers? No problem! Here’s how you can keep those taco salad cups tasting fresh and delicious for later:
- Cool Down First: Let the taco cups cool completely before you store them. This helps to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Separate Components: If possible, store the taco cups and fillings separately. Keep the cups in an airtight container at room temperature, and the filling in the fridge.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the cups in the oven to bring back that crispiness. Warm the filling separately and assemble just before serving.
- Enjoy Soon: These are best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal taste and texture. The fresher, the better!
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Let’s face it, we all love to save a bit of cash, especially when it comes to cooking up something delicious like taco salad cups. Here are some savvy tips to keep your wallet happy while you cook:
- DIY Taco Seasoning: Make your own taco seasoning with spices you likely already have in your pantry: cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and paprika. It’s cheaper and you can customize the flavor.
- Alternative Proteins: Consider using beans or lentils as a part or full substitute for ground turkey. They’re cheaper and still pack a protein punch.
- Grow Your Own: If you have a bit of a green thumb, growing your own herbs like cilantro can save you money in the long run and add freshness to your dishes.
What to Serve with Taco Salad Cups
Pairing your taco salad cups with the right sides and drinks can turn a simple appetizer into a full-blown fiesta. Here’s how to round out your meal:
Refreshing Beverages
Nothing complements the zesty flavors of taco salad cups like a refreshing beverage. Whip up a batch of homemade limeade or iced tea for a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
To balance the flavors and textures, consider serving your taco salad cups with a side of creamy guacamole or salsa for dipping. A simple corn salad or a black bean salad can also add a fresh and hearty element to your meal, making it more satisfying and colorful.
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with a dessert that complements the Mexican-inspired flavors of your taco salad cups. Mini churros with chocolate dipping sauce or a light and airy tres leches cake can satisfy your sweet tooth and wrap up your dining experience perfectly.
More Recipes You Will Love
- Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Best Chicken Casserole
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Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Ingredients
- 12 street taco-style flour tortillas 4 ½ inch tortillas
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¾ cup salsa Pace Picante medium salsa
- 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups lettuce finely chopped
- 1 tomato diced
- ½ large onion diced
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 lime sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Lightly spray each tortilla on each side with cooking spray. Gently press each tortilla into the muffin tin.12 street taco-style flour tortillas
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, add the ground turkey into a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and broken up.1 pound ground turkey
- Add the taco seasoning and salsa, stir, and cook together for 1-2 minutes.¾ cup salsa, 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning
- Once the taco cups are done, assemble them by adding in a spoonful or two of the ground turkey, and a handful of lettuce, and sprinkle with the diced tomato, onion, cilantro, and avocado.2 cups lettuce, 1 tomato, ½ large onion, ½ cup cilantro, 1 avocado
- Squeeze a bit of fresh lime over each one and enjoy!1 lime
Notes
- Go Fresh: Use fresh veggies and quality ingredients. It makes all the difference in flavor, especially with the salsa and taco seasoning.
- Tortilla Tips: Press those tortillas into the muffin tin just right to avoid tears. If they puff up, gently press down after baking.
- Other Meats: Ground chicken, ground beef, or ground pork all work well in this recipe. Use what you have on hand!
- Heat Things Up: Love a bit of spice? Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your turkey mix for that extra kick.
- Veggie Options: Making it vegetarian is easy. Swap the turkey for black beans, lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute to keep all the yummy flavors.
- Serving Tips: Serve them on a large platter with extra lime wedges and a variety of your favorite toppings on the side. A dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheddar cheese, or slices of black olives can make your taco salad cups both look and taste fantastic.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the components ahead of time, like baking the cups and cooking the filling. However, for the best texture and taste, assemble them just before serving to avoid soggy cups.
- Gluten-free: To make them gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas available in most grocery stores.
- Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, simply skip the shredded cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also use dairy-free sour cream or a dollop of guacamole as toppings.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool Down First: Let the taco cups cool completely before you store them. This helps to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Separate Components: If possible, store the taco cups and fillings separately. Keep the cups in an airtight container at room temperature, and the filling in the fridge.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the cups in the oven to bring back that crispiness. Warm the filling separately and assemble just before serving.
- Enjoy Soon: These are best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal taste and texture. The fresher, the better!
