We love Mexican-inspired taco recipes, from our famous Fish Tacos to Taco Soup. We even make our own Taco Seasoning! If you enjoy tacos as much as we do, this homemade taco salad shell recipe is a must-try! This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Taco Salad Shells
The Best Tortilla Bowls are first pan-fried and then baked. This ensures a crisp and bubbly shell that tastes wonderful. If you’ve made your own Hard Taco Shells before, you already know how good these will be. Eating a Taco Salad in these Crispy Taco Salad Shells is an adventure. It feels like a Mexican restaurant dish and definitely elevates Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients
This is literally 2 ingredients and the salt is optional but nice for more flavor.
Flour Tortillas – We use large 10-inch flour tortillas so they form a roomy bowl. Try Homemade Flour Tortillas or use store-bought if you are in a time crunch. Oil – use high-heat cooking oil. Our go-to is extra light olive oil (not extra virgin), or try Canola oil. Salt – a little sprinkle of salt makes the taco shells taste even better, but the salt is optional. If you are filling the shells with a salad and dressing, you may not need the extra salt.
Pro Tip: You can use a smaller tortilla if you are looking to make smaller bowls. For single-serve mini tortilla bowls, buy the smallest tortilla size and mold them to muffin tins for mini tortilla bowls that are perfect for appetizers!
How to Make Tortilla Bowls
Common Questions
How to Serve Tortilla Bowls
You can really serve these Tortilla Bowls with any of your favorite taco ingredients and turn your tacos into bowls:
Taco Salad – this is our go-to because the shell serves as the salad bowl. Drizzled with a lime crema, it’s a winning combination. My kids especially love these! Fish Taco Salad Bowls – Serve our famous Fish Tacos inside of your bowls. I would suggest increasing the cabbage to make it more of a ‘salad’. Shrimp Taco Salad Bowls – Similar to the fish tacos and we use the same amazing taco crema as a dressing. You can also load these up with Bang Bang Shrimp! Chicken Fajita Bowls – add your fajita ingredients to your tortilla bowl, drizzle with Homemade Salsa or Jalapeno Ranch, and add your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: Once you get near the end of your salad, I like to fold the tortilla bowl over the remaining toppings and finish it off like a taco – it’s easier to eat!
Make-Ahead
Taco Salad bowls are best when enjoyed fresh, the same day they are baked, but they do keep and reheat well:
Storing at Room Temperature – Once the shells are cooled to room temperature, cover them loosely and store them at room temperature (in a low humidity environment) for up to 2 days. To Reheat – You can re-crisp tortilla bowls in the oven if desired.
Fill these Taco Bowls with your favorite Taco Salad for the ultimate taco bar. It’s perfect for birthdays, Cinco de Mayo, and any occasion really. The fried taco bowls make the meal feel festive and special with minimal effort.
More Mexican Recipes to Try
We love recreating our favorite Mexican restaurant-inspired dishes at home. If you’re planning a taco night with these Tortilla Bowls, then you’ll need some sides and desserts for your menu!
Pico de Gallo Mexican Street Corn Flan Recipe Churros Tres Leches Cake
