Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, fun, and surprisingly healthy? Then look no further than this vibrant and delicious Taco Salad recipe! It's packed with all the classic taco goodness – seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese – but with a refreshing twist thanks to a zesty Catalina dressing. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a fiesta in every bite!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Salad:
- 1 head crisp lettuce, chopped (Romaine or iceberg work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
For the Catalina Dressing:
- 1 cup Catalina dressing (store-bought or homemade - recipe below!)
Instructions:
Get started with the Taco Meat:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the meat is cooked through.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the cooked taco meat to the bowl.
- Gently toss to combine.
- Top with diced avocado (if using) and tortilla chips.
Dress it up!:
- Drizzle generously with Catalina dressing. You can add it directly to the bowl or serve it on the side for individual preference.
Homemade Catalina Dressing (Optional):
If you prefer a homemade version, here's a simple recipe:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the taco meat for extra heat.
- Get creative with toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like shredded lettuce, jalapenos, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the taco meat and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Taco Salad recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and a fantastic way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of this crowd-pleasing recipe!