Catalina Taco Salad

Name: Catalina Taco Salad with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded; 2 roma tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 large cucumber, sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained; 1 bag (9.25 oz) taco-flavored tortilla chips, lightly crushed; 1 cup Catalina dressing

Catalina taco salad is a crunchy, satisfying dish featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese tossed with crispy tortilla chips and sweet Catalina dressing. It's a nostalgic, no-fuss summer meal that comes together in minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Taco salad 🏷️Catalina dressing 🏷️Doritos salad 🏷️Ground beef Summer salad

🏷️

🏷️Potluck

-0:00

daniela_dishonTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by daniela_dish

-0:00

daniela_dishonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
2 roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 large cucumber, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 bag (9.25 oz) taco-flavored tortilla chips, lightly crushed
1 cup Catalina dressing

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2
Stir in the taco seasoning and any water called for on the packet instructions. Simmer until the liquid has reduced. Set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced black olives.
4
Add the cooled taco meat and the lightly crushed tortilla chips to the bowl.
5
Pour the Catalina dressing over the salad.
6
Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Lightly crush the tortilla chips by hand rather than pulverizing them—you want texture variation and some larger pieces for crunch.
Brown the ground beef until edges are lightly crisped for maximum flavor; avoid overcrowding the pan.
Chop vegetables evenly so they distribute throughout the salad and won't collect at the bottom.
Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting and chips from softening.

Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken → ground beef (use same amount; cook until no pink remains)
Iceberg lettuce → romaine or mixed greens (note: more delicate; dress lightly to avoid wilting)
Catalina dressing → French dressing or homemade sweet vinaigrette (note: changes the classic tangy-sweet flavor slightly)
Cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack or pepper jack (note: adds different flavor profile; use same amount)