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Easy 30-Minute Loaded Taco Salad with Zesty Homemade Dressing

A close-up, appetizing view of a hearty taco salad featuring seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream drizzle.
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Make this fresh, flavorful taco salad in under 30 minutes. It features seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, zesty homemade Catalina-style dressing, making it a perfect quick weeknight dinner or family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips or Doritos (optional, for crunch)
  • For the Zesty Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Catalina or French dressing
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Set the seasoned beef aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Catalina or French dressing, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a very large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
  5. Add the slightly cooled seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese to the lettuce mixture.
  6. Pour about half of the homemade dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed to reach your preferred level of creaminess.
  7. Divide the salad among serving bowls. Top each serving with crushed tortilla chips or Doritos, if using. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a build-your-own taco salad bar, place the seasoned beef, lettuce mix, cheese, and dressing in separate bowls so everyone can customize their meal.
  • To keep this recipe healthier, skip the Doritos and use baked tortilla strips or skip the chips entirely.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for the ground beef.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/easy-taco-salad-recipe-quick-dinner/