Zesty Catalina Crunch Taco Salad
Experience a delightful twist on the classic taco salad with the Zesty Catalina Crunch Taco Salad! This vibrant dish combines seasoned ground beef with fresh, crunchy lettuce, tangy Catalina dressing, and rich cheddar cheese, all topped with a satisfying crunch from tortilla chips. Perfectly layered for flavor and texture, this salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a family favorite passed down through generations. Serve it at gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight meal, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds. Enjoy the refreshing blend of ingredients that elevate a simple taco salad into a memorable culinary experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (Cooked and drained)
Lettuce
1 head (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Catalina dressing
1 bottle (For dressing the salad)
Onion
1/2 (Small dice)
Cheddar cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
Tortilla chips
7-10 ounces (Crushed lightly)
Instructions
1
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and let it cool to room temperature.
2
While the beef is cooling, thoroughly wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
3
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and small diced onion to the bowl with the lettuce.
4
Once the ground beef has cooled, add it to the salad bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
5
Gently crush the tortilla chips and sprinkle them evenly over the salad mixture for that wonderful crunch.
6
Pour Catalina dressing over the salad, using about half the bottle to start, and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust additional dressing to your taste preference.
7
Serve immediately for the best texture, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Catalina Crunch Taco Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, tangy Catalina dressing, cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef.
Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you could likely substitute ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
What type of dressing is used for this salad?
This recipe uses Catalina dressing to give the salad its signature tangy and zesty flavor.
How much Catalina dressing should I use?
Start by using about half a bottle and adjust the amount to your personal taste preference.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used to add richness to the salad.
How much cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
What provides the crunch in this taco salad?
Lightly crushed tortilla chips provide the satisfying crunch in this dish.
How many tortilla chips should I add?
The recipe suggests using between 7 to 10 ounces of tortilla chips.
Do I need to cook the beef before adding it?
Yes, the ground beef must be browned in a skillet and fully cooked before being added to the salad.
Should the beef be hot when mixed with the lettuce?
No, it is recommended to let the cooked ground beef cool to room temperature before adding it to the salad to keep the lettuce crisp.
Should I drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, you should drain off any excess grease after browning the meat.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be thoroughly washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much lettuce do I need?
One full head of lettuce is required for this recipe.
Is there onion in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for half of a small diced onion.
How do I assemble the salad?
Combine cooled beef, lettuce, cheese, and onion, then top with crushed chips and toss with Catalina dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
For the best texture, it is recommended to serve the salad immediately after adding the dressing and chips to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, the description mentions it is a family favorite passed down through generations.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the basic recipe is simple, you can easily customize it with your favorite taco toppings.
What is the best way to crush the chips?
The chips should be gently crushed so they still provide a significant crunch rather than becoming crumbs.
How long does it take to prepare the meat?
Browning a pound of beef typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is considered a main dish salad or an easy salad recipe.
How do I ensure the salad stays crunchy?
Add the tortilla chips and dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It is tagged with healthy eating, as it contains fresh lettuce and protein, though the dressing and chips add calories.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It is a blend of savory seasoned beef, tangy dressing, and rich cheddar cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: ground beef, lettuce, Catalina dressing, onion, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips.
Can I use different types of chips?
While tortilla chips are traditional, you could experiment with flavored corn chips if desired.
How should I dice the onion?
The recipe recommends a small dice to ensure the onion flavor is distributed evenly without being overpowering.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.