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Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
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This Easy Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a fresh and vibrant meal combining crunchy greens, spicy seasoned ground beef, and a sweet tangy dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch, casual dinner, or flavorful side dish that brings bold flavors, crisp textures, and colorful toppings to your plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • Classic taco spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt (to taste)

Vegetables & Legumes

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup jicama or bell peppers, sliced

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Other

  • Crunchy tortilla chips, crushed (for topping)
  • 1 cup Catalina dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season well with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to achieve authentic taco flavor.
  2. Chop and prep your vegetables: While the beef cooks, wash and chop romaine lettuce, dice tomatoes, and slice additional veggies such as bell peppers or jicama. Keep them fresh and crisp for best texture.
  3. Combine the salad base: In a large bowl, toss the chopped lettuce with black beans and your choice of crunchy vegetables to create a protein- and fiber-packed base.
  4. Add the cooked beef and cheese: Place the warm seasoned beef on top of the salad mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything while the beef is still warm to allow slight melting.
  5. Drizzle with Catalina dressing and garnish: Pour the tangy Catalina dressing generously over the salad and toss gently to coat. Finally, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top to add a crave-worthy crunch.

Notes

  • Choose fresh lettuce such as romaine for a crisp base; iceberg or mixed greens are fine alternatives.
  • Season the beef generously with taco spices for depth of flavor.
  • Chill the Catalina dressing before serving for enhanced taste.
  • Add tortilla chips just before eating to keep them crunchy.
  • Make extra dressing to use as a dip or marinade later.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco salad, Catalina dressing, ground beef salad, quick taco recipe, easy dinner, healthy salad, gluten free, Mexican salad

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/taco-salad-with-catalina-dressing/