Name: Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; ⅓ cup water; 1 large head iceberg lettuce; 2 large Roma tomatoes; 2 large avocados; 4 green onions; 15 oz can chili beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup Mexican-style cheese, shredded; 10 oz Catalina salad dressing; ½ cup Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 72 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture, the Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the satisfying savoriness of seasoned ground beef with crisp, fresh vegetables and the irresistibly tangy sweetness of Catalina dressing. Every bite offers a delightful contrast—from the creamy avocado and sharp cheese to the crunchy crushed Doritos on top. It’s an easy, colorful salad that feels like a fiesta on your plate and comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small bowls with different taco ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the bottom left is white and filled with light green shredded lettuce. To its right, a smaller white bowl contains bright red diced tomatoes. Above the tomatoes is a small reddish-brown bowl filled with orange crunchy tortilla chips. Next to it on the right is a larger gray bowl with cooked brown ground meat. Above the meat is a light green bowl with a mix of shredded white and yellow cheese. On the left side, a brown bowl holds chopped green onions. The bowls are placed in a loose circle with a neat and colorful display. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: the seasoned ground beef brings bold flavor, fresh veggies add crunch and brightness, beans contribute heartiness, and the Catalina dressing ties everything together with a sweet and tangy punch. Get ready to gather these essentials for a tasty, satisfying salad that is as fun to make as it is to eat.

1 lb ground beef: Use lean beef to keep the salad flavorful yet not too greasy.
2 tbsp taco seasoning: This blend makes the beef richly spiced with traditional Mexican flair.
⅓ cup water: Helps the taco seasoning disperse evenly while simmering the beef.
1 large head iceberg lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base with a nice crunch.
2 large Roma tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, they add a lovely burst of color and freshness.
2 large avocados: Creamy and buttery, perfect to balance the zestier flavors.
4 green onions: Add a mild onion bite and vibrant green color.
15 oz can chili beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and a hearty texture to every forkful.
1 cup Mexican-style cheese, shredded: A melty, flavorful cheese blend complements the spices beautifully.
10 oz Catalina salad dressing: The star dressing gives this salad its unforgettable sweet, tangy twist.
½ cup Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed: For a crispy, cheesy topping that gives a fun crunch.

How to Make Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Cooking it thoroughly is key since this beef carries all the taco flavor.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease to avoid a soggy salad. Then, stir in the taco seasoning along with ⅓ cup of water. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes, so the spices deeply absorb into the meat. After seasoning, set the beef aside to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While the beef is cooling, chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Dice the Roma tomatoes and avocados to add juicy, creamy texture, and finely slice the green onions for a subtle punch of freshness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled seasoned ground beef, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, green onions, and rinsed chili beans. Toss in the shredded Mexican-style cheese and pour over the Catalina salad dressing. Gently mix everything together until every bite is coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 5: Add the Final Crunch

To finish, sprinkle the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos over the top. These add the perfect crunch and cheesy zest, turning this taco salad into a sensational experience. Serve immediately or chill until you are ready to dig in.

How to Serve Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is shredded pale green lettuce, the middle layer has brown cooked ground meat with a slightly glossy texture, and the top layer is reddish-brown beans scattered over the meat and lettuce. Two wooden spoons are placed inside the bowl, one held by a woman's hand from the left side, mixing the ingredients. In the background, slightly out of focus, there are small white bowls with chopped avocado and shredded yellow cheese, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added touch, consider garnishing your taco salad with a dollop of sour cream, a handful of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. These additions brighten the dish and enhance the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm flour tortillas, refried beans, or a bowl of Mexican rice. These options complement the salad without overpowering the bold Catalina dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up for your next gathering, serve this Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe in individual tortilla bowls or lettuce cups. This makes for a fun, interactive meal where everyone can customize their portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover taco salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep it fresh, it’s best to store the crushed Doritos separately and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

Since this salad is fresh and creamy, freezing is not recommended, especially due to the avocado and dressing. They tend to lose their texture and become watery after thawing.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the seasoned beef warm later, you can reheat just the meat portion in a skillet or microwave, then toss it with freshly chopped lettuce and cold veggies before serving. This way, the salad stays crisp and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will still taste fantastic with the taco seasoning and Catalina dressing.

Is Catalina dressing pre-made or homemade?

Most people use store-bought Catalina dressing for convenience, but you can experiment with homemade versions if you like a more personalized flavor.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the ground beef with seasoned plant-based crumbles, skip the cheese or use vegan cheese, and select a vegan-friendly Catalina dressing.

What if I don’t have Nacho Cheese Doritos?

You can substitute with any crunchy tortilla chips or even crushed corn chips. Just add the topping right before serving for the best texture.

Can this salad be made ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare all components except the chips ahead of time and mix just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings a party or weeknight dinner to life quite like the vibrant flavors of the Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe. This dish is a personal favorite because it’s so straightforward, colorful, and packed with delicious contrasts in every bite. I encourage you to gather these ingredients and try it for yourself—once you do, it might just become your go-to salad too!