Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe is a fun and flavorful meal thatโ€™s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and a zesty homemade Catalina dressing, itโ€™s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 people 1x
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Description

This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a colorful, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal thatโ€™s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and a tangy homemade Catalina dressing, this salad is sure to please!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salad:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 head romaine lettuce (about 68 cups), chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, diced

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup Catalina dressing
  • 2 tbsp salsa
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Additional Catalina dressing

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef or Turkey:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Once cooked, add the water, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the meat is well coated with the seasonings. Set aside.

Prepare the Salad:

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

Assemble the Salad:

  1. Add the seasoned ground beef or turkey to the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.

Make the Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Catalina dressing, salsa, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Dress the Salad:

  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Top the salad with diced avocado, extra shredded cheese, and additional Catalina dressing if desired.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of Catalina dressing to taste, depending on how much tangy flavor you prefer.
  • For extra crunch, top with more crushed tortilla chips right before serving.
  • Ground turkey is a leaner option, but ground beef adds more richness to the salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 540kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg