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Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 72 reviews

This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a quick and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, chili beans, shredded cheese, and crunchy Doritos, all tossed in a zesty Catalina dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe serves four and can be prepared in just 20 minutes, blending classic Tex-Mex flavors with a crisp salad twist.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • ⅓ cup water

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce
  • 2 large Roma tomatoes
  • 2 large avocados
  • 4 green onions
  • 15 oz can chili beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy and Dressing

  • 1 cup Mexican-style cheese, shredded
  • 10 oz Catalina salad dressing

Crunchy Topping

  • ½ cup Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, cooking it thoroughly while breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Season the Meat: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the taco seasoning and ⅓ cup water. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors, then remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
  3. Prepare Vegetables and Beans: Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and green onions into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the chili beans to remove excess salt and liquid.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled seasoned ground beef, chopped vegetables, chili beans, shredded Mexican cheese, and pour in the Catalina salad dressing.
  5. Add the Crunch: Top the salad mixture with crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos for extra texture and flavor.
  6. Mix and Serve: Toss all the ingredients together thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly. Serve the taco salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve for a chilled salad experience.

Notes

  • Letting the seasoned beef cool before adding to the salad prevents the dressing from wilting the lettuce.
  • Use fresh and ripe avocados for the best creamy texture.
  • Adjust the amount of Catalina dressing to your taste preference.
  • Nacho Cheese Doritos add a spicy crunch; substitute with plain tortilla chips if preferred.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American