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Crunchy Catalina Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing
GRANT Charlie Harper

The Best Catalina Taco Salad Recipe – Crunchy, Flavorful & Easy!

This Catalina Taco Salad is a quick, delicious, and crunchy dish perfect for any occasion. Made with seasoned taco beef, crisp lettuce, crunchy Doritos, and tangy Catalina dressing, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or meal prep!
 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
For the Dressing:
  •  
  • ½ cup Catalina dressing store-bought or homemade

Method
 

  1. 1️⃣ Cook the Taco Meat
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
  3. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water.
  4. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  5. 2️⃣ Prepare the Salad
  6. Chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice red onion.
  7. In a large salad bowl, add lettuce, taco meat, tomatoes, and onion.
  8. 3️⃣ Add Crunch & Flavor
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  10. Add crushed Doritos just before serving for extra crunch.
  11. 4️⃣ Drizzle with Catalina Dressing
  12.  
  13. Pour Catalina dressing over the salad right before serving.
  14. Toss gently and serve immediately!

Notes

✅ Keep it Crunchy! Add Doritos & dressing at the last minute to prevent sogginess.
✅ Make it Ahead! Store ingredients separately & assemble when ready.
✅ Want it Spicy? Add sliced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
✅ Need a Healthier Option? Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or black beans.