Sharon'S Taco Salad
A flavorful, customizable taco salad with seasoned ground meat, fresh vegetables, crunchy chips, and tangy dressings, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 bag crushed Doritos ⓘ
- 1 package taco powder ⓘ
- 1/2 pound grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 small bottle Catalina French dressing
- 1/2 small bottle Zesty Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 can drained kidney beans
- 1/2 head shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 3 diced tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat with chopped onion and green pepper.
- Drain excess fat and blot the mixture with paper towels.
- Mix the cooked meat and vegetable mixture with crushed Doritos, taco powder, grated Cheddar, Catalina French dressing, and Zesty Italian dressing.
- Serve the salad hot or cold, optionally on a bed of shredded lettuce.
- Keep remaining ingredients separate to prevent sogginess and serve on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use low-fat cheese. If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in some salsa or chopped jalapeños. You can also switch out the Doritos for baked tortilla chips or corn tortilla strips for a healthier crunch. For some freshness, add chopped cilantro or avocado.
Serving Suggestions
This taco salad is perfect as a stand-alone meal or served alongside a side of Mexican rice or beans. For a festive touch, serve it with a side of guacamole or salsa. It pairs beautifully with the Mexican Tortilla Dip for a fun, shareable appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the meat mixture gently in a pan and serve it over fresh lettuce to keep it crisp. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Taco Salad contains roughly 736 calories, with 43g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), protein (86% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this taco salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture in advance and store it separately from the lettuce and chips. Combine everything just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the chips and freshness of the lettuce.
What can I use instead of Catalina French dressing?
If you don't have Catalina dressing, you can use a mix of ketchup and vinegar or even a zesty ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. Adjust the quantities to taste, as these alternatives may vary in sweetness and tanginess.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can portion out the meat mixture, lettuce, and toppings into separate containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Just assemble the salad fresh when ready to eat to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).