Cold Taco Salad Recipe 🥗
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of childhood with this Cold Taco Salad recipe, a dish that’s been passed down through generations in my family. Bursting with freshness and flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a regular on our dinner table. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy kidney beans, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, zesty onions, and sharp cheddar cheese, all drizzled with tangy Catalina dressing, creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 head lettuce, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 bottle Catalina dressing
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning, stirring to combine. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes. |
| 2 | Prepare Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the kidney beans, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly. |
| 3 | Add Cooked Meat: Once the ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the other ingredients. Toss gently to incorporate the meat with the salad mixture. |
| 4 | Drizzle with Dressing: Pour half of the Catalina dressing over the salad, using more or less according to your preference. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. |
| 5 | Serve: Transfer the Cold Taco Salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional cheese or diced tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors! |
Tips:
- To make this salad ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Customize the salad by adding toppings like sliced avocado, black olives, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use vegetarian crumbles for a meat-free version.
- Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for a complete Tex-Mex meal experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 694
- Total Fat: 55.1g
- Saturated Fat: 14.8g
- Cholesterol: 81.1mg
- Sodium: 1057.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 15.5g
- Protein: 25.9g
Enjoy! 🌮🥗✨
