This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe is a fun and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and a zesty homemade Catalina dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.
Full of Flavor: The homemade taco seasoning and Catalina dressing give this salad a punch of flavor in every bite.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the protein or toppings based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey: Your base for the taco filling.
1/4 cup water: Helps the seasonings stick to the meat.
1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Taco seasoning basics.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Seasoning staples.
1 head (about 6-8 cups) romaine lettuce, chopped: Crisp and refreshing base.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds sweetness and color.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty goodness to bind everything together.
1 cup crushed tortilla chips: For that extra crunch.
1/2 cup canned corn, drained: Adds a little sweetness and texture.
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained: Brings extra protein and fiber.
1 avocado, diced: Creamy and delicious.
1/4 cup sour cream: For richness in the dressing.
1/3 cup Catalina dressing: The sweet and tangy key ingredient.
2 tablespoons salsa: Adds a little kick to the dressing.
1 tablespoon lime juice: A burst of freshness in the dressing.

Toppings

Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Catalina dressing

Variations

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on the beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the taco meat for a little heat.
Swap the Protein: Try ground chicken or even grilled shrimp for a different twist.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the water, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet; stir until the meat is well coated. Once done, set it aside.

2. Prepare the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, canned corn, and canned black beans.

3. Add the Ground Beef

Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, add it to the salad bowl and toss everything together.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Catalina dressing, salsa, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. This creates a creamy and zesty dressing that pairs perfectly with the taco flavors.

5. Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well combined.

6. Serve

Top the salad with diced avocado, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and an additional drizzle of Catalina dressing, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

As a Main Course: This salad is hearty enough to be served as a complete meal on its own.
Side Dish: Serve alongside quesadillas or tacos for a Mexican-inspired feast.
Taco Salad Bar: Set up a taco salad bar with all the toppings and let everyone build their own!

Make Ahead

Meal Prep: You can cook the ground beef and prep the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble just before serving.
Dressing: The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! While Catalina is traditional for this taco salad, ranch dressing or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing would also be delicious.

What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu crumbles are great substitutes if you’re looking for something lighter or plant-based.

How long will leftovers last?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and toppings separate to avoid sogginess.

There you have it! This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a fun, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making it for Taco Tuesday or just need a quick and easy dinner idea, it’s always a hit! Enjoy!