Taco Salad With Salsa Vinaigrette

We lived in California for a number of years and I remember a few nights where left over taco meat made a gread taco salad. You can buy chips of course..just wanted to add how to do them if wanted.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup  finely chopped onion
• 1  clove garlic, minced
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
• 2  teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  vegetable oil (plus additional for frying the chips)
• 1  lb  ground chuck
• 1  can  refried beans (optional)
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 6  7-inch corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch triangles
• 8  cups  shredded romaine lettuce
• 3  tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1  cup  coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄3 cup  thinly sliced scallion

• FOR THE VINAIGRETTE

• 1  clove garlic, chopped
• 3  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  cup  chopped, seeded tomatoes
• 1  large  jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  loosely packed fresh coriander

Directions

1. In a large heavy skillet cook the onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder in 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until the onion is soft.
2. Add the chuck, and cook the mixture over moderate heat,stirring and breaking up any lumps, until the meat is no longer pink.
3. Add tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring, until the meat is cooked through.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool.
5. In the skillet, cleaned, heat 3/4-inch of the additional oil to 375 degrees and in it fry the tortilla chips in batches for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until most of the bubbling subsides.
6. Transfer the chips with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and sprinkle them with salt to taste.
7. The tortilla chips may be made 1 day in advance and kept in an airtight container.
8. On a large deep platter or in a large bowl arrange the romaine, add refried beans spread evenly if desired, spoon the beef mixture over it, and arrange the tortilla chips, tomatoes, Cheddar, and scallion decoratively over the salad.
9. Make the vinaigrette: In a blender blend together the garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, cumin, and salt and black pepper to taste, with the motor running add the oil in a stream, and blend the vinaigrette until it is emulsified.
10. Add the tomato, the jalapeno pepper, and the coriander.
11. Blend the vinaigrette until it is smooth.
12. Transfer the vinaigrette to a small bowl and serve it with the salad or pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss the salad until it is combined.