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Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
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This Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining crisp romaine lettuce, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a sweet tangy Catalina dressing. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for a family-friendly lunch or dinner that pleases both adults and kids alike. With crunchy tortilla chips and creamy cheddar cheese, this salad blends texture and taste beautifully for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables & Greens

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dairy & Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Catalina dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, seasoning with taco spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef cooks, wash and chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the green onions, and chop the cilantro. Rinse and drain the black beans.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer the lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the cooled ground beef and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
  4. Add the Catalina Dressing: Pour the Catalina dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all flavors evenly, making sure each bite is coated with the sweet and tangy dressing.

Notes

  • Use fresh veggies for the best flavor and texture.
  • Season the beef well with taco spices for bold flavor.
  • Add crushed tortilla chips right before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to prevent overpowering the salad.
  • Keep ingredients chilled until ready to assemble for extra freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco salad, Catalina dressing, ground beef salad, quick dinner, healthy salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/taco-salad-with-catalina-dressing/