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Frito Taco Salad
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Frito Taco Salad

A quick and flavorful salad combining crispy Fritos, seasoned lean ground beef, cool iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy Catalina dressing for a satisfying crunch and bold Mexican flavors.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Samantha Jones

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 6 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Fritos corn chips
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup Catalina dressing
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, chopped onions, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning.
  • Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the salad light and flavorful.
  • Add Seasoning and Simmer: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and pour in ½ cup water. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 5 minutes on medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce, cooked taco meat, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos corn chips, and salsa. Add any optional toppings of your choice such as chopped green onions, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or cilantro for freshness.
  • Add Dressing and Toss: Pour ½ cup Catalina dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with dressing and evenly mixed.
  • Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to keep the Fritos chips crunchy. Enjoy this explosion of flavors and textures!

Notes

Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease and keep the salad healthier. For a crunchier texture, avoid over-tossing the salad after adding Fritos. Add jalapeños or green chili for extra heat if desired.