This crunchy and zesty salad is made with seasoned ground beef, veggies, cheese and Doritos, then tossed with Catalina dressing. So delicious and serves a crowd!
Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
Drain and let meat cool slightly.
Combine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and cheese in a large bowl.
Stir in taco meat.
Just prior to serving, mix in dressing and crushed Doritos.
Notes
Customize Taco Seasoning: While pre-packaged taco seasoning is convenient, you can also create your own blend for a more personalized flavor profile. Experiment with spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to adjust the heat and seasoning level according to your taste preferences.
Layering for Crunch: To maintain the crispiness of the Doritos in your taco salad, layer them on top of the salad just before serving rather than mixing them in earlier. This prevents the Doritos from becoming soggy and ensures that each bite retains its satisfying crunch. Reserve a handful of crushed Doritos for garnish to add extra crunch and visual appeal.
Dressing Distribution: To evenly coat the salad with Catalina dressing without making it overly soggy, drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Start with a portion of the dressing and add more as needed, ensuring that all ingredients are lightly dressed. This allows the flavors to meld together while maintaining the desired texture of the salad.