The amazing aroma of neighbours grilling steaks on a hot day was the inspiration for this week’s recipe. There comes a point every summer when turning on the oven feels like a bad decision. Outdoor grilling and simple stove top cooking is the order of a hot summer day. Fresh, easy and quick is the answer for dinners on these days.
One of the great traditions of summer cooking is taking familiar favourites and transforming them into salads. A classic taco night becomes a colourful bowl piled high with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, seasoned beef, cheese, and all the toppings everyone loves. The flavours are the same, but the meal feels lighter and perfectly suited to a warm evening on the deck.
Taco salad is also a reminder that some of the best cooking starts not at the grocery store, but in your pantry. While packaged taco seasoning is convenient, most home cooks already have everything they need to make their own blend. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper come together in minutes to create a seasoning that’s fresher, more flavourful, and easy to adjust to your family’s taste.
As summer temperatures climb, recipes like taco salad earn a permanent place in the rotation. They’re adaptable, family-friendly, and perfect for serving buffet-style. Build a taco salad board letting everyone create their own masterpiece. It’s casual entertaining at its best—and proof that sometimes the smartest response to the summer heat is simply turning dinner into a salad.
Taco seasoning
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon each of the following: garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder
½ teaspoon each of the following: salt, pepper and chili flakes
Adjust each item to your tastes!
Use your seasoning on ground beef, chicken or turkey, shredded chicken or whatever meat you like!
Build a board with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocados, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salsa, green onions, ancho mayo, limes and serve with your favourite tortilla chips on the side.
