Ultimate Taco Frito Fiesta Salad
Brighten up your summer gatherings with our Ultimate Taco Frito Fiesta Salad! This vibrant dish combines seasoned ground beef with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and hearty black beans, all topped off with a satisfying crunch from Fritos corn chips. Drizzled with zesty Catalina dressing, this salad is perfect for warm weeknights or lively family get-togethers. It's not only packed with flavors but also provides a delightful texture that everyone will love. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic taco flavors in a refreshing salad format, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hamburger meat
1 lb (browned, drained)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 ounce) package (prepared with meat)
Water
2/3 cup (added to meat)
Lettuce
1 head (chopped)
Cherry tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
Red onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Avocados
2 (diced)
Black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Frozen corn
1-2 cups (thawed)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1-2 cups (for topping)
Catalina dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (to taste)
Fritos corn chips
4-6 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the hamburger meat over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked.
2
Drain excess fat from the meat and return it to the pan. Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring well to combine.
3
Simmer the mixture for about 3-5 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the meat cool for approximately 10 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, diced avocados, drained black beans, thawed corn, shredded cheese, and the cooled taco meat. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
5
When ready to serve, drizzle the Catalina dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Add the Fritos corn chips just before serving for that perfect crunch.
6
Enjoy immediately to avoid sogginess in the chips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Taco Frito Fiesta Salad?
It is a vibrant main-dish salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, avocados, and crunchy Fritos corn chips topped with Catalina dressing.
How much ground beef do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound of hamburger meat, which should be browned and drained.
What type of dressing is best for this taco salad?
A 16-ounce bottle of Catalina dressing is recommended to provide the characteristic zesty flavor.
When should I add the Fritos corn chips?
Add the Fritos corn chips just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy and don't become soggy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Do I need to cook the frozen corn before adding it to the salad?
No cooking is necessary; simply thaw the 1-2 cups of frozen corn before mixing it into the salad.
How do I prepare the taco meat?
Brown the meat in a skillet, drain the fat, add a package of taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Should the taco meat be hot when I add it to the lettuce?
It is recommended to let the meat cool for approximately 10 minutes after simmering before tossing it with the fresh vegetables.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While the recipe calls for black beans, you can easily substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor profile.
How much lettuce is required?
You will need one full head of lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the ingredients and the meat ahead of time, but do not add the dressing or Fritos until you are ready to serve.
Are there avocados in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 diced avocados which add a creamy texture to the dish.
How much taco seasoning is used?
Use one standard 1-ounce package of taco seasoning for the meat.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
One pint of cherry tomatoes, halved, works best for this salad.
Is the red onion necessary?
The 1/2 cup of diced red onion provides a sharp, fresh bite, but it can be omitted or replaced with green onions if you prefer a milder taste.
What is the best way to prevent the avocados from browning?
Wait to dice and add the avocados until just before you are ready to mix and serve the salad.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to hamburger meat in this recipe.
How long does the simmering process take for the meat?
The meat should simmer with the seasoning and water for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Is this salad considered kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of crunchy Fritos, cheese, and familiar taco flavors makes it a very popular choice for children.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers already mixed with dressing and chips, they will get soggy quickly. It is best to store the components separately if possible.
Can I use Doritos instead of Fritos?
While Fritos are traditional for this specific 'Frito Fiesta' version, Nacho Cheese Doritos are a very popular and delicious substitution.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This is categorized as a Meat dish, specifically a main-course salad.
How much water do I add to the taco seasoning?
You should add 2/3 cup of water to the meat and seasoning mixture.
Does this recipe include corn?
Yes, it uses 1 to 2 cups of thawed frozen corn to add sweetness and texture.
Is there any preparation needed for the black beans?
You should use one 15-ounce can of black beans that has been thoroughly drained.
Can I add other toppings like sour cream?
Absolutely! Sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or black olives would all make great additional toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as a vibrant dish perfect for warm weeknights and lively family get-togethers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Ultimate Taco Frito Fiesta Salad.
What makes the salad 'Fiesta' style?
The 'Fiesta' style comes from the colorful medley of fresh vegetables, beans, corn, and the festive crunch of the corn chips.