Discover the delicious flavors of Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad with this easy recipe! Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy the taste of a fast-food favorite at home while keeping it healthy and customizable to your preferences. Perfect for meal prep, this taco salad is sure to become a family favorite!

Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad with seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables.
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There is nothing better than Wendy’s Taco Salad Recipe, and it’s perfect for a hearty, but healthy meal.

Made with the air fryer, this recipe is prepared in minutes. The whole family will love this recipe.

Serve alongside, Air Fryer Low-Carb Tortilla Chips, Air Fryer Copycat Burger King Onion Rings, or Air Fryer Wendy’s Copycat French Fries Recipe.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Tailor the ingredients to your taste—add extra veggies, swap proteins, or change the dressing.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
  • Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the same great taste as Wendy’s with your homemade touch!

Ingredients And Substitutions

Ingredients needed for Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad on kitchen counter.
  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken.
  • Taco Seasoning: Use either homemade or store-bought taco seasoning.
  • Vegetables: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados.
  • Cheese: Use either Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese.
  • Sauce: Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream, etc.

How To Make Wendy’s Taco Salad

Cooking the ground beef in the air fryer safe-pan.

Step One: Add your ground beef to the baking pan, and then mix in the taco seasoning. Use a spatula to break up the meat.

Cooked ground beef in the air fryer basket, in a pan. (oven-safe)

Step Two: Set the pan into the Air Fryer Basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, and air fry for 10 minutes. Use your spatula to stir about halfway through the cooking process. Stir well, and then drain.

Step Three: Add your lettuce to the bottom of a plate, then add some air-fried taco meat, and add your toppings, Drizzle some of your salad dressing on top and mix before serving.

Delicious Taco Salad inspired by Wendy’s featuring cheese, lettuce, and tortilla chips."

Tips For Cooking and Serving Wendy’s Salad

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
  • Season the Beef Well: For an authentic taste, season the ground beef with taco spices or add a pinch of chili powder and cumin.
  • Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing crunch, chill ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes before assembling.
  • Serve with Toppings on the Side: Let everyone add toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream to customize their salad.
  • Taco Chips Last: Add chips just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I make it ahead? Yes, prepare and store ingredients separately. Combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crunchy.

How can I make it healthier? Swap ground beef for lean turkey or use less cheese. You can also use low-sodium taco seasoning.

What are good substitutions for toppings? Try avocado, black olives, or a sprinkle of hot sauce.

How do I store leftovers? Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

"Colorful and healthy Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad served in a bowl."

More Copycat Recipes

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Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad

Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Discover the delicious flavors of Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad with this easy recipe! Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of a fast-food favorite at home while keeping it healthy and customizable to your preferences. Perfect for meal prep, this taco salad is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients 

  • 1-2 pounds ground beef, lean
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup avocados, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Mexican cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup guacamole
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Add your ground beef to the baking pan, and mix in your taco seasoning. Use a large spoon to cut up teh meat, as it cooks.
  • Set the pan into the Air Fryer Basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, and air fry for 10 minutes. Use your spatula to stir about halfway through the cooking process.
  • Add your lettuce to the bottom of a plate, then add some air-fried taco meat, and add your toppings, Drizzle some of your salad dressing on top and mix before serving.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 237mgPotassium: 698mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1447IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 3mg

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