Taco 🌮 Salad 🥗

The Ultimate Versatile Taco Salad

A quick, customizable family favorite that balances fresh greens with savory beef and a sweet-tangy finish.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

The Core Base

• 1 lb Ground Beef (browned and drained)

• 1 head Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce (chopped)

• 1 bottle Catalina Dressing (the signature "end" to the salad)

The Mix-ins (Choose your favorite combo)

• Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, corn (canned or fresh), diced onions.

• Crunch: Fritos or Doritos (crushed slightly).

• Extras: Salsa (mild or medium), shredded cheddar cheese.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Protein: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease. For extra flavor, season with a pinch of salt, pepper, or taco seasoning.

2. Prep the Greens: Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large serving bowl or individual bowls as the foundation.

3. Layer the Toppings: Add your chosen combination of tomatoes, corn, salsa, and cheese over the lettuce.

4. Add the Crunch: Just before serving, add a generous handful of Fritos or Doritos to ensure they stay crunchy.

5. Final Assembly: Top the salad with the warm ground beef.

6. The Finisher: Drizzle the entire salad with Catalina dressing. Toss gently or serve as-is for a layered look.

Building the Bowl  Use whatever is in your pantry

This recipe is perfect for "kitchen sink" meal planning!

The Classic: Lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, corn, meat, and Catalina.

The Frito Crunch: Lettuce, Fritos, salsa, and meat.

The Zesty Nacho: Lettuce, salsa, Catalina, cheese, and meat with Doritos.