Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, crunchy Doritos, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, this salad is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ounce taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 4 cups Doritos (half of a bag)
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 cup cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Catalina dressing (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Break the Doritos into small, bite-size pieces.
2. Step 2: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced red onions, water, and taco seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
4. Step 4: Place the chopped lettuce in a large bowl and top with the cooked ground beef mixture.
5. Step 5: Add shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced black olives to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the broken Doritos over the salad.
7. Step 7: Pour Catalina dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
8. Step 8: Serve the taco salad immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef while cooking.
• Substitute Catalina dressing with ranch or salsa for a different flavor profile.
• Use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos for a lighter crunch.
• Add avocado slices or black beans to boost creaminess and protein.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, keep the Doritos and dressing separate until ready to serve. Reheat the ground beef if desired before assembling the salad.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this taco salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead, but for best texture, add the Doritos and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly salad.

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 85 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Taco Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, crunchy Doritos, and shredded cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy Catalina dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Taco Salad

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ounce taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 4 cups Doritos (half of a bag), broken into bite-size pieces
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 cup cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Catalina dressing (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables and Chips: Chop the iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Break the Doritos into smaller, bite-size pieces for easy eating.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in the diced red onions, water, and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined and aromatic.
3. Assemble the Salad Base: Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl and evenly top it with the cooked seasoned ground beef.
4. Add Fresh Vegetables and Cheese: Layer the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced black olives over the beef and lettuce mixture.
5. Incorporate the Doritos: Sprinkle the broken Doritos chips on top, adding a satisfying crunch to the salad’s texture.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the Catalina dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring an even coating without crushing the Doritos.
7. Serve Immediately: Once tossed, serve the taco salad right away to enjoy the freshness and crunch at their best.

Notes

• You can use your preferred brand of taco seasoning or make your own blend for customization.
• For extra flavor, consider adding sliced jalapeños or avocado.
• Substitute Doritos with any seasoned tortilla chips if desired.
• To keep the salad crunchy, add the Doritos right before serving.
• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; leftovers may become soggy.

Keywords: taco salad, ground beef salad, Catalina dressing salad, Doritos salad, Tex-Mex salad, quick dinner, easy salad recipe