Prepare the Protein: Cook your ground beef, chicken, or turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. For a vegetarian version, heat black beans with cumin and lime juice.
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables. Make sure lettuce is dry to keep the salad crisp.
Layer the Salad: In a large clear bowl, start with a lettuce base, then add beans. Next, layer the cooked protein, followed by cheese. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn on top. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips, then drizzle salsa, guacamole, and optional dressing.
Garnish: Finish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
Serve:Serve immediately, or store individual layers separately until ready to assemble to maintain freshness.
