Are you craving a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further! This Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a fun weekend lunch. It's a delicious twist on a classic, combining the satisfying crunch of Doritos with the zesty tang of Catalina dressing and all the delicious flavors of a taco. This recipe is packed with flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids. Get ready to experience a taco salad like no other!
Ingredients:
This recipe easily serves 2-3 people, but you can easily double or triple it depending on your needs.
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For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred protein like chicken or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 bag of Doritos, crushed (Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese recommended)
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For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
Instructions:
Get started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
- Add the cooked and seasoned ground beef to the bowl.
- Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
Add the crunch and dressing:
- Crush the Doritos into smaller pieces. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or simply by hand.
- Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Drizzle the Catalina dressing over the salad just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy taco salad! It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a fun game-day snack.
Cooking Tips for the Best Taco Salad:
- Protein Power: Feel free to swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles for a healthier or different protein option.
- Spice it up: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the ground beef while it's cooking.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the salad components (except for the Doritos and dressing) ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to maintain the crispness.
Variations:
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or onions.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
- Guacamole Goodness: Add a dollop of homemade or store-bought guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Sour Cream Swirl: A dollop of sour cream adds a nice cool contrast to the spicy taco flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's both satisfying and fun to eat. Enjoy!