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    Home > Recipes > Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Salad

    Published: Aug 29, 2017 · Modified: Mar 9, 2023 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · 5 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    taco salad
    taco salad
    carnitas taco salad

    taco Salad in a white bowl

    Carnitas Taco Salad is a Monday-friendly solution to a Saturday-worthy taco craving. Pack the salads with any vegetables you like and finish them with crispy slow cooker carnitas pork and crumbled tortilla chips.

    Slow Cooker Crispy Pork in a skillet

    Greetings from serious-case-of-the-Mondays land.

    Except it's Tuesday.

    Boo.

    That's what I get for having such a fun long weekend with Frank's sister in town (hi Ellen!!). My brain isn't ready to jump into the week. Rather than diving into my to-do list, I'd prefer to be sitting outside in the sun or digging through the pantry for some sort of chocolate. Preferably both.

    Fortunately, we've got dinner to look forward to. And it's the best way I can think of to ease into the week - a tried-and-true variation on one of our favorite dinners. And it features our very favorite key ingredient of the moment - Slow Cooker Crispy Pork.

     Salad in a white bowl with tortilla chips

    I wanted to share a few of the many ways we use this easy, flavorful pork, and these carnitas taco salads are just about the simplest. They're packed with colors and flavors. A few vegetables get thrown in for color and crumbled tortilla chips add great crunch.

    I'd also be on board with the addition of black beans or red peppers or even a bit of shredded Mexican blend cheese.

    The dressing here is one of those simple, back pocket dressings that we keep around for taco salads just like this one. It has a pinch of smoked paprika and cumin for a little Southwestern pizzaz, but the rest is just a classic, irresistible honey-mustard dressing. If you'd like to try a different dressing with this salad, whip up a batch of my Avocado Crema and try that one top.

    Honey Mustard Vinaigrette in a small glass jar

    More Tex Mex Favorites

    • Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini
    • Tex Mex Burgers with Guacamole
    • Slow Cooker Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers
    • Slow Cooker Green Salsa Chicken
    • Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup

    Favorite Tools

    • Anchor 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls
    • Whisk
    • Salad Bowl
    • Salad Tongs

    📖 Recipe

    Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Salad in a white bowl
    Print Recipe
    4.50 from 2 votes

    Carnitas Taco Salad

    Carnitas Taco Salad is a Monday-friendly solution to a Saturday-worthy taco craving. Pack the salads with any vegetables you like and finish them with crispy slow cooker carnitas pork and crumbled tortilla chips.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Tex Mex
    Keyword: salad recipe, tex mex
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 695kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz Romaine Lettuce, chopped
    • 4 cups Slow Cooker Crispy Pork (recipe here)
    • 1 Avocado, sliced
    • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, chopped
    • ¼ Red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup Corn, frozen or fresh
    • 4 oz Tortilla Chips

    Southwestern Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

    • 2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • 2 teaspoon Honey
    • ½ teaspoon Hot sauce (optional)
    • ¼ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon Cumin
    • 2 tablespoon Vinegar, red wine
    • 3 tablespoon Olive Oil

    Instructions

    • Make vinaigrette.
      Whisk together mustard, honey, hot sauce (if you want a little spice), paprika, cumin and vinegar. Add olive oil, while whisking.
    • Assemble salads by forming a bed of lettuce. Top with avocado, cherry tomatoes, onions and corn (defrost if using frozen). Crumble tortilla chips over top and add dressing. Toss lightly just before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 1505mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5357IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

    Included in our fun-packed weekend was a Sunday afternoon discovery of a classic Chutes and Ladders game board at Boulevard Beer Hall.

    Beers for the grown-ups / strawberry soda for the kids/ chutes and ladders for all!

    Classic Chutes and Ladders

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kasim hardaway

      August 29, 2017 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      The dressing looks so silky!

      Reply
    2. Joy

      August 30, 2017 at 8:48 pm

      This looks wonderful! My hubby would love the crispy pork on it, and I would love the black beans/Mesixan cheese/red bell pepper. That dressing especially sounds great.

      Reply
    3. Neuf

      August 31, 2017 at 1:56 pm

      Dressing looks divine!

      Reply
    4. Kristen

      October 06, 2021 at 3:24 pm

      The pork recipe is no longer linked :/

      Reply
      • Jess Smith

        October 07, 2021 at 10:58 am

        So strange! Here is the link for you: https://inquiringchef.com/slow-cooker-crispy-pork/

        Reply

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