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Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad

Copycat Wendy's Taco Salad

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

Description

A homemade Wendy's Taco Salad with romaine, sharp cheddar, fire roasted corn, chile lime taco strips, and creamy salsa dressing — built on chili like the original, or air fryer taco beef for a faster weeknight version.

Ingredients 

Protein (choose one)

  • 4 cups chili, for the authentic version
  • 1 pound ground beef, 85/15, plus 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (for the air fryer version)

Salad

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup fire roasted corn, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup chile lime taco strips

Creamy Salsa Dressing

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup chunky salsa
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning

Instructions

  • Cook the protein. For the chili version, warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes. For the air fryer version, add the ground beef to an air fryer safe baking pan, break it up with a spatula, and stir in the taco seasoning.
  • Air fry the beef. Set the pan in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, stirring at the halfway point to break up the meat. Cook until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Drain. Tip off the rendered fat, or transfer the beef to a paper-towel-lined plate. Skipping this will make the salad watery.
  • Make the dressing. Whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, and taco seasoning together until smooth. Let it rest 5 minutes.
  • Assemble. Divide the romaine among four bowls. Top with warm chili or drained taco beef, then the cheddar, tomatoes, and corn.
  • Finish. Drizzle with the creamy salsa dressing and add the chile lime strips just before serving.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • The original Wendy's version uses chili, not taco meat. Use the air fryer beef when you want dinner in 20 minutes; use chili when you want the closest match.
  • Add the taco strips at the table. They soften within a few minutes of hitting the dressing.
  • Store all components separately and assemble to order.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 679kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 41gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 1504mgFiber: 10gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 8742IUVitamin C: 230mgCalcium: 346mgIron: 6mg