taco salad with doritos and catalina dressing recipe

taco salad with doritos and catalina dressing recipe

The Best taco salad with doritos and catalina dressing recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – taco salad with Doritos and Catalina dressing. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures is just right, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make.

I remember my kids were always excited when I announced that we were having taco salad for dinner, and now that they’re grown up, they still request it all the time. The story behind this recipe is that it was created by accident one day when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover taco meat. I tossed it with some greens, cheese, and crushed Doritos, and then topped it with Catalina dressing.

It was love at first bite! Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even better, but the core idea has remained the same. The crunchy texture of the Doritos adds a delightful contrast to the creamy dressing and the crispy lettuce.

It’s a match made in heaven. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients.

For example, if you want to make it more substantial, you can add cooked ground beef or chicken. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for those crazy weeknights when everyone is rushing around. And because it’s so easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, you can make it for just one person or a crowd of 10.

Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing

Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing

4.5 from 1866 votes

This taco salad combines seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and shredded cheese with crunchy Doritos, all tossed in a tangy Catalina dressing. It is a quick and satisfying meal that brings together classic taco flavors with a delightful crunch.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

For the Dressing

1/2 cup Catalina dressing
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat.
4Reduce heat to medium and stir in the taco seasoning and water.
5Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
7In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and diced red onion.
8Toss gently to mix.
9Add the cooked seasoned beef to the salad and toss again.
10Pour the Catalina dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
11Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad and toss lightly.
12Serve immediately to maintain the crunch of the chips.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large salad bowl
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese and dressing. Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing Works

This taco salad with Doritos and Catalina dressing is a recipe I keep coming back to because it is easy, tasty, and works for so many occasions. Whether I am feeding my family on a busy night or bringing a dish to a potluck, it always gets compliments.

I love that I can prep it ahead and just add the chips and dressing at the last minute. For storing leftovers, keep the salad base and chips separate.

The dressed salad will last a day in the fridge but the chips will get soft. To reheat, I just warm the meat mixture and then assemble fresh.

This salad is also great served cold, so you can skip reheating altogether. I often serve it with extra toppings like sour cream or avocado for a heartier meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing

Q: Can I use different types of tortilla chips instead of Doritos?

A: While you can experiment with other types of tortilla chips, keep in mind that Doritos have a unique flavor and texture that complements the taco meat perfectly. That being said, if you prefer a different flavor profile or texture, feel free to try using other chips.

Q: How do I store leftover taco salad?

A: Store any leftover taco salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure the salad reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, simply substitute regular tortilla chips with gluten-free alternatives and check the ingredient label on the Catalina dressing for gluten-free certification.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian taco meat or skip the meat altogether.

Q: Can I serve this salad as a main course or as a side dish?

A: This salad is versatile enough to be served either way – whether you’re looking for a light meal option or a hearty side dish.

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