Chopped Taco Salad With Homemade Catalina Dressing
Meet my favorite chopped taco salad with homemade catalina dressing. Homemade taco seasoned meat tossed with all the chopped veggies, lettuce and cheese.
Can I ask you a favor?
Can we tap into the 80s for a little taco salad love? Im only saying the 1980s because thats what Catalina dressing reminds me of my childhood. Actually it reminds me of my sister Julie its her favorite dressing. Which turns out she shares that love with my oldest daughter, both blond, blue-eyed and Catalina dressing lovahs! In fact my daughter loves it so much she always pours a good cup of it over her salad so its more of a soup than a salad. Bless her calories-dont-matter-I-have-a-high-metabolism-because-Im-eleven heart.
Kidding aside this is the perfect summertime salad. Its a quick, easy if you want a light weeknight dinner or you could make a big batch and take it to the beach or a barbecue. What we like to do is make our own individual ones. I like mine loaded with olives, peppers, onions and sometimes jalapenos. While my girls would just go for cheese and maybe peppers. But the sky is the limit here go crazy and get creative but first you must make this dressing!
Im not sure if your mom ever put Catalina dressing on your taco salad but its a total must. Its slightly sweet and tangy and for some reason it just works.
Start by throwing in half of a medium-sized yellow onion thats been roughly chopped into the bowl of your food processor.
Then pour in a half cup of water.
How To Make A Dorito Taco Salad
This easy entree salad comes together with just a few simple steps, making it perfect for those evenings when you don’t feel like doing much cooking!
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Taco Salad Recipe With Catalina Dressing
This taco salad recipe can be made with Doritos or Fritos. And you can still find bottled Catalina Dressing on the salad dressing aisle at your market. But if you cant find it, I urge you to make Homemade Catalina Dressing. Its easy.
I hope you give this taco salad with Catalina Dressing recipe a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating. And leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.
And if you have a favorite Taco Salad recipe, let me know, Id love to give it a try.
And if youre looking for more salad recipes, dont miss my salad category. Youll find lots of fresh recipes, including the most popular on my site for Louisiana Sunburst Salad.
Ingredient Swaps And Substitutions
- Catalina Dressing: I like to make Homemade Catalina Dressing. You can still purchase bottled Kraft brand at the grocery store. A good substitute is bottled dressing labeled Western Dressing. I have also used French dressing.
- Canned Beans: Please look for canned beans labeled beans in chili sauce, or ranch style beans If you cant find those, a can of pinto beans or red kidney beans, drained, will work.
- Ground Beef: If youre opposed to eating beef, ground chicken or turkey will work great in this recipe.
- Cheese: I like shredded cheddar for this recipe, but a mix of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack and cheddar would be good here.
- Taco Seasoning: Again, I like to make Homemade Taco Seasoning, but simply use a packet of your favorite brand from the grocery store to season this taco meat.
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Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing
My taco salad with Catalina dressing and Doritos packs my favorite classic taco flavors, along with tangy dressing, and a satisfying crunch. This easy meal will satisfy picky eaters when served as the main dish and is always a big hit at family gatherings.
I’m biased, but Taco Salad with Catalina dressing is absolutely fantastic! Actually, it was the best taco salad I have ever had. It turns out not only is the addition of Doritos not just a fun twist, they totally make the dish! Biting down on a forkful of salad along with the satisfying crunch of a Doritos chip really gives you that taco taste and texture. To me, a good taco salad has that classic taco taste, plenty of meat, tangy dressing, and the occasional satisfying crunch. This recipe has it all!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Fast and easy recipe to make. My family loves this recipe because it is super yummy! I love this recipe because it is super easy! The combination is a major win in my book!
- Moist Doritos salad. This Doritos taco salad is a delicious salad because it is not dry! The taco meat is simmered with the taco seasoning and a bit of water so the meat gets creamy. On top of that, the taco salad with Catalina dressing and Doritos stays moist because of the dressing! It is the perfect sauce and dressing for the salad to keep things moist and delicious!
- Easily customizable. This is the perfect dish because you can add or omit any mix-ins youd like! Want some avocado in there? Go ahead and add it! Not a fan of cheddar cheese? Use Monterey Jack instead. The options are endless!
How To Make It
This is a really easy taco salad recipe to make. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Once browned, stir in the taco seasoning.
Tip: It is often easier to add a little water when adding the taco seasoning to help it disperse more evenly. Then cook the water out.
The vegetables can all be prepped and chopped while the ground beef cooks. Place the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Once the ground beef is cooked, remove it from the heat and let the meat mixture cool.
Once the beef is room temperature, , add it to the large bowl with the Doritos and plenty of Catalina dressing, to taste. Mix well with a wooden spoon and serve.
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Healthier Alternatives To Doritos For Taco Salad
Of course most of the time when we think about healthy eating a food like Nacho Cheese Doritos raises an immediate red flag. Luckily we have so many delicious alternatives to using Dorito corn chips with nacho cheese flavoring to fit all different types of healthy diets!
Here are my healthy swaps to use in Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing and Doritos:
If You Like This Taco Salad Dressing Recipe
*Here are a few more recipes Id like to try: Our family loves a good balsamic vinaigrette, so I know this Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette from Barefeet in the Kitchen would be a hit. For all that fresh summer basil, this Basil Vinaigrette from Fifteen Spatulas looks WONDERFUL. And citrus always wins Im loving this bright Clementine Vinaigrette from Aggies Kitchen.
Like this taco salad dressing? Pin it!
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More Salad Recipes You May Like:
- 1poundlean ground beef
- 1packet taco seasoning
- 3 to 4 Romaine lettuce hearts, rinsed then chopped
- 1cupblack beans, rinsed
- 1large tomato, chopped OR sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2cupshredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½cupsnacho cheese Doritos, broke into bite-size pieces
- 1cupCatalina dressing OR use your favorite salad dressing
- fresh cilantro, optional
Why Avoid Soybean Oil
Two specific types of fat, as well as free radicals, prime our body for chronic inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids and trans-fats stimulate the body’s production of inflammation causing chemicals. Omega-6’s are found in vegetable oils soybean oil, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil and safflower oil. Trans-fats are found in products that contain partially hydrogenated oils. Chronic inflammation is a symptom of virtually every disease process. The list of diseases/disorders that involves chronic inflammation is long, from cancer to arthritis to heart disease to Alzheimer’s disease.
To read more on inflammation’s effect on health and disease check out: The Inflammation Syndrome by Jack Challem
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Why Youll Love Taco Salad
You cook the seasoned ground beef mixture in advance, and then warm it up right before. Then you can literally make this in no time!
What I really love, is that this cold salad recipe also has so many veggies, its very colourful and so tasty.
The bold Mexican taste that brings it all together is thanks to the taco seasoning and French dressing.
Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing And Doritos Ingredients:
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Jalapeño pepper
- Ground Venison, Ground Chicken or Ground Turkey used in place of Beef
There are many variations of this recipe. Dont be surprised if you find a version that calls for a packet of taco seasoning to be added to the meat mixture. I dont add it to my taco salad recipe because I think there is more than enough flavor with just ground beef.
Additionally you may decide to try this Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing and Doritos with a wide variety of modifications. Many people use ranch dressing, French dressing or even cool ranch doritos!
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How To Make Taco Salad Dressing
This dressing couldnt be easier to make. Especially because we always have these three bottles on hand: Thousand island dressing, Western or a zesty French dressing, and a mild taco sauce. If you like more heat, use a spicier taco sauce.
Just measure out each of these according to the recipe below and stir them together.
That is it!
How To Make Dorito Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing: Step By Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown up your ground turkey with a packet of taco seasoning.
Step 2: To a large bowl, add your lettuce.
Step 3: Whisk all salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl. OR put all dressing ingredients in a medium jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until ingredients are combined.
Then, top lettuce with all the toppings: taco meat, tomatoes, corn, cheese, olives, onion and crushed Doritos. Drizzle with dressing, toss and serve!
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Recipe Variations And Substitutions
- You can easily substitute chicken or turkey for ground beef.
- Substitute Cool Ranch Doritos for Nacho Cheese.
- If you do not have Catalina Dressing, you can use Ranch Dressing instead.
- This salad is so versatile, you can add in your favorite taco toppings and almost any variety of beans like pinto beans, garbanzo beans, red kidney beans, etc.
Tips For Making Taco Salad
When taking this Classic Taco Salad recipe to functions such as a fun potluck.
I suggest waiting until just before serving to add the nacho chips and dressing. Or else can get soggy depending on how long it sits before enjoying.
You could add the taco seasoning to the meat when cooking , yet I find that sprinkling it on at the end is best.
This is so that everyone can add as little or as much as they prefer. Plus, the taco taste is more pronounced that way.
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How To Make Sombrero Salad :
For the full instructions and ingredient list for Western salad, scroll to the bottom of this post.
Best Taco Salad Recipe
My husband and I are originally from Iowa, born and raised. Weve lived in Texas for over 28 years now, almost half of our lives. So it may be no surprise to you when I say that we LOVE Tex-Mex. Gimme all the Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Mexican Chicken Burritos, Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, The BEST Chunky Guacamole, and Classic Skinny Margaritas. I like it spicy, while Mike is more of a medium taco lovin guy.
If you look below at the nutritional content, youll see that ONE LARGE TACO SALAD comes in at under 600 calories, and has lots of protein and fiber. Thats pretty remarkable, considering that it tastes like one big taco. Its a salad that fills you up, and leaves you thinking about eating another one the following day !
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Healthier Alternatives To Catalina Dressing
Catalina dressing is similar in flavor to a French dressing but with little more tangy punch, its bright red while French is more of a creamy-orange color.
When purchasing bottled catalina salad dressing you are limited in options. Currently on the market Ive found the original Catalina Dressing, Lite Catalina Dressing and Fat-Free Catalina Dressing. And depending on your unique health eating template those may not work for you.
So I spent time in my kitchen coming up with a couple recipes to help you have a healthier option to Catalina dressing available!
- If you are looking for an option with cleaner ingredients, try my Homemade Healthy Catalina Dressing Recipe. This recipe uses all real food ingredients and can be sweetened with honey or organic sugar.
- If you are eating Keto, Low-Carb or Sugar-Free, try my Keto Catalina Dressing Recipe. This recipe is also made with real food ingredients and uses a keto friendly sweetener to keep the carbs as low as possible.
What I Love About Taco Salad
- The taste of the homemade taco seasoning that makes the meat so flavorful .
- The fresh veggies that provide the perfect crunch.
- A creamy, yet healthy chipotle ranch dressing, and that little hit of spice.
- Saltiness from the chips which are optional, but yummy.
- The flavor bomb of ALL of these ingredients together!
- fresh lettuce greens
- other salad toppers
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How To Make A Taco Salad Ahead Of Time So It Doesnt Get Soggy
I thought I would include this piece as this recipe tends to find itself at picnics or large gatherings often. Sometimes when you arrive you wont be eating for quite a few hours. If you have mixed the salad all together what ends up happening is your taco chips get soggy. It loses a lot of the characteristic crunch and can fall flat as a salad.
In order to avoid this happening, here is what I do to prepare for travel:
In a large bowl with a cover, combine all ingredients as directed within the recipe EXCEPT the taco chips and Western dressing. Then, in a separate paper or plastic bag, crush up the taco chips in small pieces so they are ready to go. Place the lid on the salad and keep it chilled while traveling and right up until serving time. Make sure to pack the chips and dressing with you as well as a couple of large forks and spoons for mixing. When ready to serve add in the taco chips and dressing and toss to coat everything well.
The result? A crispy, crunchy cold salad ready for everyone to enjoy.
I snapped a photo of the salad mixed up right before I added the dressing and taco chips. I love the bright colors!
Twisted Taco Salad With Fritos
This is a tweaked recipe from a family friend. It’s awesome and makes a huge serving perfect for potlucks. If not eating immediately, I put the cheese, onion and lettuce in a ziploc bag, the chopped tomatoes in a separate bag and keep the meat warm in a carrier , then I assemble just before time to eat..mixing together and adding chips and dressing. I HATE soggy Dorito taco salad, so this fits the bill. My most requested “bring a dish” recipe!
Provided by Messie Chef
Yield 10 cups, 20 serving
Number Of Ingredients 8
| 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained |
| 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped |
| 5 roma tomatoes, diced |
| 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 1 medium sweet onion, chopped |
| 14 1/2 ounces Fritos corn chips |
| 1 bottle western salad dressing |
| garlic salt |
- Brown ground beef in skillet and drain. Season with garlic salt to taste.
- Add chopped lettuce, chopped and seeded tomatoes, cheese and onion to big bowl.
- If eating immediately, add warm ground beef to salad mixture.
- Just before serviing mix in Fritos and Western Salad Dressing. Be sure to mix carefully and don’t dump the entire bottle of dressing in at once. You want to lightly coat with the dressing, not drown the salad in it. I always leave a little on the side if someone wants more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 279.6, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 46.9, Sodium 293.1, Carbohydrate 15.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.5, Protein 13.6
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