Name: Frito Taco Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 pkg taco seasoning; 6 cups iceberg lettuce; 1 cup tomatoes; 1 cup Cheddar Cheese; 2 cups Frito corn chips; ½ cup salsa; ½ cup Catalina dressing; toppings

Craving a delightful crunch in your salad? This frito taco salad combines savory ground beef with fresh iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crispy frito corn chips. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck gathering. The Catalina dressing adds a tangy twist that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.

Photos of Frito Taco Salad Recipe

If you don’t often cook Mexican-inspired dishes, you might not have taco seasoning or Catalina dressing on hand. Taco seasoning is a blend of spices easily found in the seasoning aisle. Catalina dressing is a sweet and tangy dressing that you can find in the salad dressing section.

Ingredients for Frito Taco Salad Recipe

ground beef: This forms the protein base of the salad.

taco seasoning: A spice mix that adds the classic taco flavor.

iceberg lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base for the salad.

tomatoes: Adds juiciness and freshness.

cheddar cheese: Contributes a rich, creamy texture.

frito corn chips: Gives the salad an addictive crunch.

salsa: Adds a zesty, spicy element.

Catalina dressing: A sweet and tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.

toppings: Optional add-ons like sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado.

One reader, Jyoti Brandt says:

This frito taco salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy corn chips, seasoned beef, and fresh veggies is simply delicious. The Catalina dressing adds a perfect tangy twist. Quick, easy, and incredibly tasty—it's a new family favorite!

Jyoti Brandt

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Frito Taco Salad

How to brown beef: Cook ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. How to drain fat: After browning the beef, carefully pour off the excess fat from the pan or use a spoon to remove it. How to simmer: After adding the taco seasoning and water, reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture gently until it thickens, stirring occasionally.

How To Make Frito Taco Salad

This taco salad recipe has a load of hearty, savory, and mouth-watering ingredients like vegetables, cheese, meat, Frito chips, and your choice of salsa.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lblean ground beef
1pkgtaco seasoningor homemade
6cupsiceberg lettucechopped
1cuptomatoeschopped
1cupcheddar cheeseshredded
2cupsFrito corn chips
½cupsalsa
½cupCatalina dressingor to taste
toppingsas desired – peppers, onions, jalapenos, sour cream

Instructions

Brown beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer 5 minutes or until thickened.
Place lettuce in a large bowl. Top with meat, tomatoes, cheese, 1 cup of Frito corn chips, salsa and desired toppings.
Add dressing and toss well. Top with remaining corn chips. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 345.99kcal
Fat: 23.46g
Saturated Fat: 10.20g
Trans Fat: 1.15g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.78g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.06g
Carbohydrates: 14.37g
Fiber: 2.60g
Sugar: 6.03g
Protein: 21.12g
Cholesterol: 76.12mg
Sodium: 360.21mg
Calcium: 192.32mg
Potassium: 578.48mg
Iron: 2.46mg
Vitamin A: 99.83µg
Vitamin C: 9.20mg

Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Frito Taco Salad

To enhance the flavor of the ground beef, consider adding a finely chopped onion while browning it. This will add a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat, complementing the taco seasoning perfectly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Frito Taco Salad

Pre-cook the beef: Cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the taco salad.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the lettuce and tomatoes in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Ready-made dressing: Use store-bought Catalina dressing and salsa to save time on making your own.

Assemble just before serving: Have all ingredients ready and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Substitute Ingredients For Frito Taco Salad Recipe

lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano for a fresh and customizable seasoning.
iceberg lettuce - Substitute with romaine lettuce: Romaine lettuce offers more nutrients and a slightly different texture while still providing a crisp base.
tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and are less watery, which can help maintain the salad's texture.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
frito corn chips - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips provide a similar crunch and can be found in various flavors to enhance the salad.
salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh, chunky salsa that adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the salad.
catalina dressing - Substitute with French dressing: French dressing has a similar sweet and tangy profile, making it a good alternative.
toppings - Substitute with avocado slices: Avocado slices add creaminess and healthy fats, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the salad.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Frito Taco Salad

Use a large, shallow bowl: Select a wide, shallow bowl to allow the frito taco salad to spread out, showcasing all the vibrant ingredients.
Layer the ingredients artistically: Begin with a bed of iceberg lettuce, then create distinct sections for the ground beef, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. This will create a visually appealing contrast of colors and textures.
Add height with corn chips: Place a handful of frito corn chips in the center of the salad, allowing them to stand upright. This adds height and a crunchy texture to the presentation.
Drizzle the dressing elegantly: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the catalina dressing in a zigzag pattern over the salad. This ensures even distribution and adds a touch of sophistication.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro or green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve with a side of salsa: Present a small ramekin of salsa on the side, allowing diners to add as much or as little as they prefer.
Use a clean, white plate: Place the bowl on a pristine, white plate to frame the dish and make the colors pop.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish with a light dusting of cotija cheese or a few slices of avocado for an upscale touch.
Provide a crisp, cold beverage: Pair the salad with a chilled glass of sparkling water with a twist of lime to cleanse the palate and enhance the dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Frito Taco Salad

Skillet: Used to brown the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the ground beef and mixing in the taco seasoning.
Measuring cup: Essential for measuring out ½ cup of water to add to the taco seasoning.
Large bowl: Needed to place the lettuce and layer the salad ingredients.
Knife: Useful for chopping the tomatoes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the tomatoes.
Cheese grater: Used to grate the cheddar cheese if it's not pre-shredded.
Measuring spoons: Helpful for measuring out the salsa and catalina dressing.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the salad ingredients together.
Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the finished taco salad.
Colander: Optional, but can be used to drain any fat from the browned beef.

Interesting Trivia About Frito Taco Salad

A fun fact about this frito taco salad recipe is that it combines the crunchiness of frito corn chips with the freshness of iceberg lettuce, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

Budget-Friendly: Is Frito Taco Salad Economical for Home Cooking?

The frito taco salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using lean ground beef, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and frito corn chips ensures a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The addition of salsa and catalina dressing adds flavor without significant cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall verdict: 8/10.

Is Frito Taco Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Frito taco salad recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here are some reasons why:

Ground beef is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Taco seasoning often contains high amounts of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
Cheddar cheese is also high in saturated fat and calories.
Frito corn chips are deep-fried and high in unhealthy fats and calories.
Catalina dressing is often high in sugar and calories.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
Make your own taco seasoning using a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to control the sodium content.
Opt for a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or use a smaller amount of regular cheddar.
Replace the Frito corn chips with baked tortilla chips or crushed whole-grain taco shells for added fiber and less fat.
Swap the Catalina dressing for a lighter, homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil, lime juice, and herbs.
Increase the amount of lettuce and tomatoes to boost the vegetable content and add more nutrients and fiber to the salad.
Add other healthy toppings like sliced avocado, black beans, or grilled corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on the Frito Taco Salad Recipe

This frito taco salad recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The crispy frito corn chips add a satisfying crunch, while the seasoned ground beef provides a savory depth. The freshness of the iceberg lettuce and tomatoes balances the richness of the cheddar cheese and the tangy catalina dressing. The salsa adds a zesty kick, making each bite vibrant. It's a quick, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for casual gatherings or a weeknight meal. Consider adding toppings like avocado, black olives, or jalapeños for extra flair. Overall, it's a well-rounded, flavorful salad that's sure to impress.

Enhance Your Frito Taco Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mexican Street Corn: Mexican Street Corn: Imagine the smoky char of grilled corn slathered in creamy mayo, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder. This vibrant side will add a burst of flavor and color to your frito taco salad.

Avocado Lime Rice: Avocado Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with zesty lime and creamy avocado. This side dish brings a refreshing contrast to the savory ground beef and crunchy frito corn chips in your main course.

Black Bean Soup: Black Bean Soup: A hearty bowl of black beans simmered with onions, garlic, and spices. This warm, comforting soup pairs perfectly with the crispiness of your frito taco salad.

Mango Salsa: Mango Salsa: Sweet, juicy mango chunks mixed with red onion, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño. This tropical salsa adds a refreshing and tangy twist to your meal.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce: Churros with Chocolate Sauce: Crispy, golden churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce. This delightful dessert will round off your frito taco salad experience with a sweet finale.

Delicious Alternatives to Frito Taco Salad

Chicken Taco Salad: Transform your taco night with this Chicken Taco Salad. Juicy chicken breast seasoned to perfection, nestled on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, and topped with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. A fiesta in every bite!

Beef Nacho Casserole: Dive into layers of flavor with this Beef Nacho Casserole. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices, layered with tortilla chips, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and topped with sour cream and jalapeños. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner!

Southwestern Quinoa Salad: For a healthy twist, try this Southwestern Quinoa Salad. Nutty quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette. A protein-packed, vegetarian delight!

Taco Stuffed Peppers: Elevate your taco game with Taco Stuffed Peppers. Sweet bell peppers filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, black beans, and cheese. Baked to perfection and topped with sour cream and cilantro.

Mexican Street Corn Salad: Bring the flavors of the street to your table with Mexican Street Corn Salad. Grilled corn kernels mixed with cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of chili powder. A vibrant and refreshing side dish!

Ideal Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Frito Taco Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine plump, juicy mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The creamy filling is perfectly balanced with a hint of Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon zest. Baked until golden and bubbly, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests. Serve them warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic Bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with a hint of garlic for an aromatic base. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of freshness in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich, gooey delight of chocolate lava cake. Imagine a warm, molten center that flows out as you cut into the cake, creating a perfect harmony of textures. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance. This dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tiramisu: Transport your taste buds to Italy with a classic tiramisu. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers are nestled between rich, creamy mascarpone cheese and dusted with cocoa powder. The hint of coffee liqueur adds depth and sophistication to this timeless treat. Serve it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. For an extra touch, top with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a luxurious end to your meal.

Why trust this Frito Taco Salad Recipe:

This frito taco salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the crunch of frito corn chips with the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef. The Catalina dressing adds a tangy twist, while fresh lettuce and tomatoes keep it light and refreshing. Perfect for a quick meal, it's both delicious and easy to prepare.

Want to share your own twist on this Frito Taco Salad Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce gives a nice crunch, you can use romaine, mixed greens, or even spinach if you prefer.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to toss everything together until just before serving to keep the corn chips crunchy.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Some great options include black beans, avocado, olives, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, you can! If you're not a fan of Catalina dressing, ranch or a creamy cilantro dressing would also work well.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use black beans or lentils for a protein boost.