Ultimate Taco Crunch Salad
This Ultimate Taco Crunch Salad is a family favorite that delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Rich, seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with fresh, crisp salad greens, vibrant tomatoes, and zesty green onions. The kidney beans add protein and fiber, while the Catalina dressing provides a tangy sweetness that ties everything together. Topped off with a generous layer of cheddar cheese and crunchy Cool Ranch Doritos, this salad is sure to please at any gathering. Perfect for meal prep or a hearty weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles!
6-8
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
mixed salad greens
16 ounces (torn into bite-sized pieces)
tomatoes
2 (chopped)
green onions
6 (sliced)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Catalina dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (as needed)
grated cheddar cheese
4 cups
Cool Ranch Doritos
1 (16 ounce) bag (crushed lightly)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease when fully cooked.
2
While the beef is cooking, prepare a very large salad bowl by adding the mixed salad greens, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, and drained kidney beans.
3
Once the ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl along with the Catalina dressing. Toss the ingredients together until everything is well coated.
4
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the salad and gently toss again to distribute.
5
Take the Cool Ranch Doritos and lightly crush them in the bag for a fun texture. Add the smashed chips to the salad just before serving.
6
Toss the salad lightly to combine all ingredients without crushing the chips, and serve immediately for maximum crunch!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Ultimate Taco Crunch Salad?
The main ingredients include lean ground beef, mixed salad greens, tomatoes, green onions, kidney beans, Catalina dressing, grated cheddar cheese, and Cool Ranch Doritos.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner protein option.
What kind of salad greens are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of mixed salad greens, but you can also use romaine lettuce or iceberg for extra crunch.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for families or small gatherings.
Is there a substitute for Catalina dressing?
While Catalina dressing is traditional for this salad, you can use French dressing or a spicy ranch dressing as a substitute.
When should I add the Doritos?
Add the smashed Cool Ranch Doritos just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy and don't become soggy.
How do I prepare the kidney beans?
You should use one 15-ounce can of kidney beans that has been thoroughly drained before adding them to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, you can prep the beef and vegetables ahead of time, but store the dressing and chips separately until you are ready to eat.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving of the Ultimate Taco Crunch Salad.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 17g of protein.
How much fat is in this salad?
One serving of this salad contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the ground beef be hot when added to the salad?
It is recommended to let the ground beef cool slightly after browning before adding it to the salad bowl to prevent the greens from wilting too quickly.
Can I use black beans instead of kidney beans?
Absolutely, black beans or even pinto beans can be used as a delicious alternative to kidney beans.
How much cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using 4 cups of grated cheddar cheese for a rich and cheesy flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes, feel free to add corn, bell peppers, or olives to customize the salad to your preference.
How do I crush the Doritos?
The easiest way is to lightly crush them while they are still inside the bag before opening it.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad itself is mild, but you can make it spicy by using Nacho Cheese Doritos or adding jalapeños.
Should I drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, it is important to drain any excess grease after browning the beef to keep the salad fresh and light.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning on the beef?
While the recipe focuses on the Catalina dressing for flavor, adding taco seasoning to the beef while browning is a great way to enhance the taco flavor.
How many green onions should I slice?
The recipe calls for 6 sliced green onions to provide a zesty bite.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you must ensure your Catalina dressing and your choice of chips are certified gluten-free, as some Doritos flavors contain gluten.
How much Catalina dressing do I need?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce bottle, though you can add it 'as needed' based on your preference for how dressed you like your salad.
What makes this the 'Ultimate' taco salad?
The combination of the tangy Catalina dressing with the specific flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos and the volume of cheddar cheese sets this version apart.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, a Mexican blend cheese or Pepper Jack would both be excellent alternatives to cheddar.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size in weight is not specified, but the recipe is designed to be divided into 6 to 8 equal portions.
Do I need to cook the kidney beans?
No, canned kidney beans are already cooked; you simply need to drain and rinse them before adding them to the salad.
Is this a cold salad?
It is a hybrid salad where the greens and vegetables are cold, but the beef is added while still warm, creating a pleasant temperature contrast.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation takes about 20 minutes, mostly consisting of browning the meat and chopping the fresh vegetables.
What is the best way to serve this for a party?
For parties, keep the crushed Doritos in a separate bowl so guests can top their own salad, keeping the chips crunchy for the duration of the event.