Wendy’s Taco Salad {Perfect Copycat!}

This Wendy’s Taco Salad recipe is an almost exact copycat of the fast food chain’s famous salad. You’ll learn how to make the Wendy’s chili recipe too! 

This hearty and flavorful salad is loaded with fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with the iconic chili and a zesty dressing. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Oh so satisfying: This is loaded with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and crunchy tortilla chips.
• Family-friendly: A fun and delicious way to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients and substitutions

Wendy’s Chili

• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado or canola oil.
• Yellow onions – white onions or shallots would also work.
• Celery – fennel or carrots can be used instead.
• Extra-lean ground beef – make this chili even healthier using ground turkey or chicken.
• Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Chili powder – make your own using a blend of cumin, paprika and cayenne.
• Cumin – use some extra chili powder or coriander instead.
• Coriander – add in more cumin if you don’t have any coriander on hand.
• Pinto beans – black beans, cannellini beans or chickpeas would all be good too.
• Kidney beans – add in some extra pinto beans or black beans.
• Canned crushed tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes would also work here.
• Beef broth – chicken or vegetable broth can be used, but it won’t have the same flavour.

Salad

• Romaine lettuce – butterhead or iceberg lettuce are both similar or you can use a healthier option like kale or spinach.
• Beefsteak tomato – or any kind of tomato you have on hand.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – substitute for another shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
• Tortilla chips – tortilla strips would also work or you can add wonton strips for a bit of crunch.
• Sour cream – plain Greek yogurt is a healthier option but has a different flavour.
• Salsa – use your favourite jarred salsa, fresh salsa or homemade pico de gallo.

How to make Wendy’s taco salad

Step 1: Make the chili.

Cook beef with onions, peppers, beans, and spices.

Step 2: Assemble the salad.

Layer greens, tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla chips.

Step 3: Add the chili.

Spoon the warm chili over the top.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy!

Drizzle with dressing and serve!

Frequently asked questions

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, black olives, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavour according to your preferences.

How should I serve the chili on the salad?

It’s best to serve the chili warm over the salad to prevent wilting the lettuce. About 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave is enough to warm the chili.

How many calories are in a Wendy’s taco salad?

Wendy’s Taco Salad has 620 calories (260 from fat) for a full size and 470 calories (200 from fat) for a half size. My version has just 372 calories per serving, saving you calories and money!

How to store and reheat

Storing: Keep all the ingredients stored separately in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to prevent sogginess. Store the chili in one container and toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa in others.

Reheating: Warm the chili in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then assemble the salad fresh in a bowl before serving.

Freezing: The chili can be frozen for meal prep in airtight containers or Ziploc bags for up to 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some bento box meal prep bowls to separate the ingredients and enjoy this salad for work week lunches.
• You can also grab some mason jars to layer the lettuce at the top so it doesn’t get soggy.
• I get all my free-range ground chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.