Why Make This Recipe
Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a fun and tasty dish that brings together all the flavors of a classic taco in a fresh and crunchy salad. It’s quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this colorful salad is sure to be a hit!
How to Make Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag Doritos (nacho cheese flavor)
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Directions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef and prepare according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cooked beef.
- Crush the Doritos and add them to the bowl, mixing gently.
- Drizzle with Catalina dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with black olives and green onions if desired, then serve immediately.
How to Serve Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Serve Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing in bowls or on plates. You can present it in layers or mix it all together for a more casual look. It’s perfect as a main dish or as a side at barbecues and potlucks. Garnish with extra ingredients like avocado or additional cheese for added flavor.
How to Store Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings, like Doritos, separate to maintain their texture. The salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but the crunchiness will diminish if mixed with dressing.
Tips to Make Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime juice over the salad before serving.
- If you want to make it healthier, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- You can also add black beans or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Don’t forget to adjust the amount of Catalina dressing according to your preference—some like it saucy, while others prefer it light.
Variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by using lentils or quinoa instead of ground beef. Just add your favorite veggies and toppings for a delicious meat-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve.
2. What if I don’t have Catalina dressing?
You can substitute it with ranch dressing, salsa, or any dressing you enjoy for a different flavor.
3. Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free Doritos, then the salad can be gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free Doritos)
Description
A fun and tasty Taco Salad that combines all the classic flavors in a fresh and crunchy dish, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bag Doritos (nacho cheese flavor)
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef and prepare according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cooked beef.
- Crush the Doritos and add them to the bowl, mixing gently.
- Drizzle with Catalina dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with black olives and green onions if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. For vegetarian, use lentils or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg