Taco Salad (V)

Let me be clear, I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture, and this was so good, that I didn't even want to stop to take one. So that's why when you see the plate, it looks kind of gross. But trust me, it is so good we've had it two or three times since our first attempt. This is one of those meals that we used to have with meat. Turkey Taco Salad was a staple for us, and I'm glad to see a meatless version is in the cards.

Easy as it gets:

As with most of my meals, I'm cooking for two, so keep that in mind. I put a little olive oil in a pan, and start cooking some diced onion in it over medium. I usually do 1/2 a medium onion (I also leave a little bit of raw onion out to put on the taco salad at the end). Once the onion gets good and cooked, add in about 1/2 a package of Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo, can of black beans, and continue cooking until the chorizo and beans are warmed through. I have found that I dont need to add any taco seasoning, but if you want to add cumin and or cilantro to taste, you can.

While the chorizo and beans are warming through, I slice some tomatoes, an avocado, wash some lettuce or arugula, or whatever greens I have in the house. Sometimes we use some salsa on the side, or Trader Joe's spicy Bean Dip. We top the argula with the bean/onion/chorizo mixture, then the tomato, avocado, and raw onions. Jeff also uses jalapenos, but I don't like super spicy stuff.

I usually have enough beans/chorizo cooked to divide it into 3 portions, two for Jeff and I for dinner, and one for lunch the next day. I save 1/2 of the avocado for lunch the next day, as well.

You can add shredded cheese and sour cream if you are not a vegan. I haven't found any substitute for sour cream yet, and I adore it. I'll work on giving it up, but right now, I don't know that I can imagine my life without it. If I find a good substitute, I'll keep you posted. I also can't forget to mention my boyfriend, AKA, Frank's Red Hot Sauce. He is the 4th love of my life after my husband and two dogs. I douse this salad with Frank's.

Seriously - I ate this with ground turkey meat at least once a week, and am so happy to know I can continue eating a meatless version now! And seriously - Don't let the gross photo fool you!