Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
1 pound ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
For the Salad:
1 large head of lettuce, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 red onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large bag (9.25 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
2 avocados, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
1 cup Catalina dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 lime, juiced
Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat:
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat
Drain excess fat
Add taco seasoning and water
Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid is reduced
Let cool slightly
Make the Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing, sour cream, and lime juice
Add hot sauce if desired
Refrigerate until ready to use
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, and corn
Add diced red onion and half of the shredded cheese
Add the cooled taco meat
Toss gently to combine
Final Assembly (Just Before Serving):
Add crushed Doritos
Add diced avocados
Pour dressing over the salad
Toss gently to coat
Top with remaining cheese and cilantro
Tips
Don’t add Doritos until just before serving to maintain crunchiness
Can prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before serving
Store dressing separately if making ahead
Customize with additional toppings like jalapeños, black olives, or green onions
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Try different Doritos flavors (Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho)
Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and doubling beans
Use ranch dressing mixed with taco seasoning instead of Catalina
Storage
Best served immediately after final assembly
Undressed components can be stored separately for up to 2 days
Do not store assembled salad (becomes soggy)
Yield
Serves 8-10 people as a main dish
Serves 12-15 as a side dish
Make-Ahead Instructions
Brown meat and store in container
Chop vegetables and store separately
Make dressing and refrigerate
Keep Doritos in bag until serving
Assemble all components just before serving
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 28g