Ultimate Summer Taco Salad Delight
This Ultimate Summer Taco Salad Delight is a vibrant and refreshing dish that will bring joy to your dinner table all summer long! Originating from a cherished family recipe over 20 years ago, this salad has become a staple for gatherings, especially on those warm days when you want something light and satisfying. By preparing the ground beef and chopping the fresh ingredients earlier in the day, you can enjoy a stress-free meal when it's time to serve. With its colorful veggies, savory beef, creamy dressing, and crunchy Doritos, it's no wonder teenagers and adults alike find this dish irresistible. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, this taco salad is sure to please everyone!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and seasoned)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (mixed with cooked beef)
iceberg lettuce
1 head (chopped)
roma tomatoes
2-3 (diced)
green onions
6 (chopped)
red kidney beans or black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
black olives
1 (15 ounce) can (sliced)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Catalina dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (your choice (I use Kraft))
plain Doritos
1 (14 1/2 ounce) bag (crumbled into big chunks)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
2
Drain the excess grease from the beef, then add the taco seasoning according to the package directions. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3
Once the beef mixture is cool, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4
Add the chopped iceberg lettuce, diced roma tomatoes, chopped green onions, drained kidney or black beans, sliced black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the beef.
5
Pour the Catalina dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
6
Before serving, add the crumbled Doritos just to the top for extra crunch, and give a final gentle toss.
7
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled version.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Summer Taco Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing dish based on a cherished family recipe from over 20 years ago.
How long has this recipe been around?
This taco salad has been a staple for family gatherings for over 20 years.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is a staple for gatherings and perfect for barbecues and picnics.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, by preparing the beef and chopping ingredients earlier in the day, you can enjoy a stress-free meal.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and break it apart with a spatula.
Should I drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, you should drain the excess grease from the beef before adding seasoning.
How long should the beef simmer with seasoning?
Once the taco seasoning is added, let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Do I need to cool the beef before mixing?
Yes, allow the beef mixture to cool before transferring it to the large mixing bowl.
What kind of lettuce is used?
The recipe uses one head of chopped iceberg lettuce.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
You should use 2 to 3 diced roma tomatoes.
How many green onions should be added?
The recipe calls for 6 chopped green onions.
What kind of beans are in the salad?
You can use a 15-ounce can of either red kidney beans or black beans.
Are olives included in the ingredient list?
Yes, one 15-ounce can of sliced black olives is included.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What kind of dressing is recommended?
A 16-ounce bottle of Catalina dressing is used for this salad.
Is there a specific brand of dressing suggested?
The recipe suggests your choice of Catalina dressing, but the author specifically uses Kraft.
What kind of chips are used in the salad?
The recipe uses one 14 1/2-ounce bag of plain Doritos.
How should the Doritos be prepared?
Crumble the Doritos into big chunks before adding them to the salad.
When should the Doritos be added?
Add the crumbled Doritos just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Why are the chips added at the very end?
They are added at the end for extra crunch and to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Is this recipe popular with kids?
Yes, teenagers and adults alike find this dish irresistible.
Is this salad a good option for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is a perfect and quick weeknight dinner option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 key ingredients required for this taco salad.
Can I serve this salad chilled?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving for a chilled version.
How many tomatoes do I need to dice?
The recipe requires 2 to 3 roma tomatoes.
What is the weight of the Doritos bag?
The recipe calls for a 14 1/2-ounce bag of Doritos.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a quick meal.
Can I use black beans instead of kidney beans?
Yes, either 15 ounces of red kidney beans or black beans will work.
What is the final step before serving?
Give the salad a final gentle toss after adding the Doritos and serve immediately.