On a Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or any festive occasion, taco salad bowls can be a perfect solution.

Everyone in the family can pick and choose what they want in their taco bowl so even picky eaters will be happy.

While adults might want their taco salad bowls loaded with onions, sour cream, and salsa, the children can stick with the basics of taco meat and cheese.

What are taco salad bowls made of?

When it comes to the ingredients for taco bowls, anything goes. This taco bowl recipe is completely customizable based on taste preferences and nutrition goals.

For the protein, you can choose ground beef, beans, chicken, steak, or tofu. Season your protein with taco seasoning blend for extra flavor.

Some topping options to choose from include:

• Cheddar cheese
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Shredded lettuce
• Baby Spinach
• Chopped tomatoes
• Black olives
• Black beans
• Refried beans
• Corn
• Chopped cucumber
• Chopped broccoli
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Hot Sauce
• Chopped avocado
• Guacamole (Check out my 2 Ingredient Guacamole.)

Are taco bowls or burrito bowls healthier?

Since you can put whatever you want into a taco bowl or a burrito bowl, you control the nutrition based on what you put into the salad.

Burrito bowls often include a grain such as rice which is a healthier option than a tortilla bowl. However, building a taco salad without the tortilla reduces the carbs.

How to make a crispy tortilla bowl for taco salads?

Making a crispy tortilla shell for a salad can be a little messy and is easiest in a deep fryer.

Deep Fried Tortilla Bowls

To make a crispy bowl for taco salads in the deep fryer, heat the oil and then submerge using a soup ladle. The tortilla will shape to the ladle. When golden, remove the bowl and drain on paper toweling.

If you prefer a precise taco bowl shape, a special taco salad shell fry basket is available at Amazon.

Baked Tortilla Bowls

If you do not have a deep fryer, another option for making a tortilla bowl is the flash fry the tortilla and then finish it in the oven.

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees and rolling aluminum foil into large balls, making one ball for each bowl. Space the aluminum foil balls and place them on a baking sheet.

Add about one tablespoon of oil to a frying pan and heat until hot over medium-high heat. Add the tortilla and cook on both sides until bubble begin to form on the tortilla. Transfer the tortilla to the baking sheet, draping it over an aluminum foil ball.

With all of the fried tortilla shells on the baking sheet, bake them for 5 to 8 minutes or until the shells are golden and crispy.

Store Bought Tortilla Bowls

Personally, I skipped the mess and used a store-bought kit made by Azteca.

The kits come with a cardboard tripod you can fold to accommodate the tortilla over it. Then, bake the shells according to package directions.

What do you like in your taco salad bowls?

Drop a comment and let me know. We are always looking for new and creative ways to make a taco salad.

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