Texas Salad
A crunchy, flavorful Texas-inspired salad combining crisp lettuce, cheesy beans, and a tangy Catalina dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 head shredded iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can Ranch Style beans ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 finely diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 8 oz. bottle Kraft Catalina dressing ⓘ
- Fritos ⓘ
- 1 dozen eggs ⓘ
- 1 lb. powdered sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 spoon batter ⓘ
- 1/2 jig rum
- 1 jig brandy ⓘ
Instructions
- Toss together the shredded lettuce, Ranch Style beans, shredded Cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, minced onion, and Catalina dressing.
- Just before serving, crush the Fritos and toss the salad again with the Fritos.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, consider using romaine lettuce instead of iceberg for added crunch and nutrients. You can substitute black beans for Ranch Style beans if preferred. If you want to add some heat, toss in jalapeño slices. This salad can also be made vegetarian by ensuring the dressing is free from animal products. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Texas Salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for barbecues or picnics and pairs beautifully with Buttered Chocolate Cake for dessert. It can also serve as a light main dish when topped with grilled chicken or shrimp. Consider serving it alongside corn on the cob or potato salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Fritos separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch. If the salad becomes soggy, you can refresh it by adding more fresh lettuce and Fritos. Avoid reheating, as this is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Salad contains roughly 1097 calories, with 24g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1125mg per serving (49% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to mix in the dressing and Fritos just before serving to prevent sogginess. You can chop the veggies and store them separately in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving.
What can I use instead of Catalina dressing?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute Catalina dressing with a tangy Italian dressing or a creamy ranch dressing. Both will give the salad a unique taste while complementing the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Texas Salad can be made vegetarian. Just make sure the Catalina dressing is vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
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).