Taco Or Frito Salad
A flavorful and crunchy salad combining fresh vegetables, beans, Fritos, and cheese, topped with tangy Catalina dressing—perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce
- 1 tomato ⓘ
- 6 to 8 radishes ⓘ
- 4 green onions ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks ⓘ
- 2 cans Ranch Style beans ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. Fritos ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) bottle Catalina salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. Longhorn, Cheddar or Colby cheese ⓘ
- 1 cucumber (optional) ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 3 boiled eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Cut up all salad ingredients including lettuce, tomato, radishes, green onions, celery, cucumber (optional), and bell pepper (optional).
- Drain Ranch Style beans and rinse them, then add the beans, Fritos, grated cheese, and the prepared vegetables to a large bowl.
- Pour the Catalina salad dressing over the mixture and toss well to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the Ranch Style beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred. For a lighter version, swap the Catalina dressing with a vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco or Frito Salad is perfect as a standalone meal but can also be paired with grilled chicken or steak for a heartier option. Serve alongside a refreshing drink or a light appetizer like Smokey Cheese Dip for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, serve it in individual bowls or cups.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Fritos may lose their crunch, so if you prefer them crispy, store them separately and add them just before serving. To refresh the salad, toss in a bit more dressing before enjoying leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Or Frito Salad contains roughly 566 calories, with 19g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (251% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% 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 salad ahead of time?
While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the Fritos crispy. You can chop the veggies and store them in the fridge, but mix in the dressing and Fritos right before eating to maintain the texture.
What can I use instead of Fritos?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use baked tortilla chips or even crushed corn chips. For a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free corn chips or simply omit the chips altogether and serve the salad on its own or with a side of tortilla strips.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, this salad is already vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. To enhance the protein content, you can add diced avocado or a scoop of your favorite beans. For a vegan version, simply use a plant-based dressing and omit the cheese.
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).