Frito Taco Salad Recipe: Crunchy and Flavorful!

5/5 - (2 votes)

This Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is simply the best! It’s always the hit “salad dish” at potlucks, and for good reason. The combination of crunchy Fritos, seasoned taco beef, and the sweet and tangy Catalina dressing makes a flavorful taco salad everyone loves.

I got this recipe from my Mom, and it’s always a winner. It’s amazing how a few salty, crunchy corn chips can transform a salad. Even kids can’t resist it! The blend of Fritos, Catalina dressing, and taco flavors is just perfect.

Frito Taco Salad is a hearty, tasty, and crunchy meal that’s super easy to make and so much fun to eat! We love pairing our taco salad with our favorite corn chips for that extra crunch.

Top it off with fresh veggies, sour cream, and your choice of toppings like homemade salsa or guacamole. The salad is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a citrusy side like orange wedges or a refreshing lemonade drink makes it a crowd-pleaser.

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the cooked beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and toppings in individual containers in the refrigerator. This way, you can mix them up fresh when you’re ready to eat again. Enjoy!

This image features a colorful and hearty Frito Taco Salad served with seasoned ground beef, crispy Frito corn chips, shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and topped with Catalina dressing, creating a deliciously crunchy and flavorful meal.

Frito Taco Salad Recipe

Frito Taco Salad is becoming a favorite for its hearty, tasty, and crunchy goodness. It's easy to make and super fun to eat! Our favorite taco salad pairs perfectly with crunchy corn chips for an extra delicious touch. Top it off with fresh veggies, sour cream, and your choice of toppings like homemade salsa or the best guacamole. This simple salad recipe is sure to impress family and friends!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 5
Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 package Taco seasoning or homemade
  • 6 cups Iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup Tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups Frito corn chips
  • ½ cup Salsa
  • ½ cup Catalina dressing or to taste
  • Desired toppings: peppers onions, jalapeños, sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat.
    This image shows the process of browning lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until there is no pink remaining, a key step in preparing the taco filling for the Frito Taco Salad.
  • Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
    This image shows taco seasoning being added to the browned ground beef, along with water, and then simmered for five minutes to infuse the meat with rich taco flavors.
  • In a large bowl, place the chopped lettuce. Top with the seasoned meat, tomatoes, cheese, 1 cup of Frito corn chips, salsa, and your desired toppings.
    This image shows freshly chopped iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes being prepared as the base of the Frito Taco Salad, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast to the seasoned meat.
  • Add the Catalina dressing and toss everything well. Top with the remaining corn chips.
    This image shows Frito corn chips and fresh salsa being added to the taco salad, enhancing the dish with a crunchy texture and zesty flavor, perfect for a balanced and delicious bite.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
    This image shows all the ingredients for the Frito Taco Salad being tossed together, including the seasoned beef, crunchy corn chips, fresh vegetables, and Catalina dressing for a flavorful, hearty salad.

Notes

  • Prepare Ingredients Ahead of Time: Chop all your vegetables and have your toppings ready before you start cooking the beef. This will make assembling the salad quick and easy.
  • Customize Your Seasoning: If using homemade taco seasoning, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more chili powder for heat or extra garlic powder for a bolder flavor.
  • Add Dressing Gradually: Start with a smaller amount of Catalina dressing and toss the salad. You can always add more if needed. This helps prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
Keyword Crunchy Frito salad, Easy taco salad, Frito salad ingredients, Frito taco salad recipe, How to make Frito taco salad?, Taco salad with Fritos

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories470 kcal
Carbohydrates28g
Fat30g
Protein21g
Cholesterol70mg
Sodium815mg 
Iron2mg

How Do I Store Leftovers?

How Do I Store Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the cooked beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and toppings in individual containers in the refrigerator. Store the Frito corn chips in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, combine the ingredients and add fresh dressing and chips for the best taste and texture.

What Can I Use Instead of Catalina Dressing?

If you don’t have Catalina dressing, you can use alternatives like French dressing, Thousand Island dressing, or even a tangy ranch. Each will give a slightly different flavor, so choose one that suits your taste. You can also make a homemade dressing using a mix of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and oil.

Can I Make Frito Taco Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare some parts of the Frito Taco Salad ahead of time. Cook and season the ground beef, chop the vegetables, and shred the cheese. Store them separately in the refrigerator. However, wait to combine the ingredients and add the dressing and corn chips until just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

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