Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

BySana Jeannette
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Introduction

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Doritos for a fun twist. Topped with tangy Catalina dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner that everyone will love.

A close-up view of a layered taco salad in a clear glass bowl, showing ingredients mixed together with a black spoon lifting a scoop. The layers include bright orange and crunchy tortilla chips at the bottom, fresh light green shredded lettuce scattered throughout, small chunks of browned ground beef, black olive slices, and diced red tomatoes and green cucumbers adding color. Thin strands of pale yellow shredded cheese are mixed on top, with a slightly shiny texture indicating freshness. The background has a white marbled texture with a faint glimpse of a red sauce bottle blurred in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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-sized pieces.
  2. Step 2: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the diced red onions, water, and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 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 cheddar 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 the Catalina dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch and fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

  • For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Swap Catalina dressing for a creamy ranch or salsa dressing for a different flavor profile.
  • Add avocado slices or jalapeños for extra creaminess or heat.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace beef with black beans or seasoned tofu.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the Doritos crunchy, add them just before serving. Reheat the beef mixture if desired before assembling the salad.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a layered taco salad; the bottom layer shows an orange-yellow mix of crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese, topped with browned ground beef scattered evenly. Above this is a layer of chopped pale green lettuce mixed with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomato halves, and small black olive pieces. Bright red salsa is drizzled generously over the top, adding vibrant color against the fresh greens and warm tones of the chips and beef. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred background that includes a red bottle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and cook the beef ahead, but combine everything just before serving to maintain the Doritos’ crunch.

What can I use if I don’t have Catalina dressing?

A mix of ketchup and ranch dressing, or a vinaigrette with a touch of sweetness, can be a good substitute for Catalina dressing.

Print

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 395 reviews

This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, crunchy Doritos, and tangy Catalina dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and bold southwestern flavors.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup water

Vegetables and Toppings

  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cucumbers, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Other Ingredients

  • 4 cups Doritos (half of a bag), broken into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Catalina dressing (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables and Chips: Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Break the Doritos chips into small, manageable bite-size pieces for easy eating.
  2. Cook 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 to keep the salad from becoming oily.
  3. Season Beef: Stir in the diced red onions, water, and taco seasoning to the browned beef. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to soften slightly.
  4. Assemble Salad Base: In a large bowl, add the chopped iceberg lettuce as the base. Next, add the cooked and seasoned ground beef evenly over the lettuce.
  5. Add Vegetables and Toppings: Layer the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and drained sliced black olives over the beef and lettuce.
  6. Add Crunch: Sprinkle the broken Doritos pieces over the assembled salad to add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
  7. Dress and Toss: Pour the Catalina dressing generously over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly without crushing the chips.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve the taco salad straight away to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and freshness before the chips get soggy.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
  • Use baked or reduced-fat cheese options to reduce fat content if desired.
  • Can be served with a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
  • Best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crunch of the Doritos.
  • Optional: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner alternative.

Keywords: Taco Salad, Catalina Dressing, Ground Beef Salad, Tex-Mex Salad, Quick Dinner, Crunchy Salad

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