There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and potlucks. Mom’s Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is one of those dishes that always steals the spotlight.
The crunchy Fritos, seasoned taco meat, and sweet-tangy Catalina dressing create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a salad that doesn’t just sit quietly on the table—it demands attention and delivers a satisfying, crowd-pleasing taste with every bite.
Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or bringing it to a big potluck, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
You can even prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time to make the final assembly quick and effortless. This is a salad that feels indulgent and comforting, yet it’s simple enough to whip up on any given day.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 8 to 10 cups of romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped (adjust based on the number of servings)
- 1 lb of lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 package of taco seasoning (or 2.5 tablespoons of bulk seasoning)
- 1 can of black or pinto beans, drained (pintos are best)
- 1 cup of corn
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1.5 cups of shredded cheese
- 2 cups of Fritos
- Catalina Dressing (adjust to taste)
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions or black olives
Instructions:
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s nearly cooked through, add the taco seasoning. If you’re using bulk seasoning, measure out 2.5 tablespoons. Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Tip: Keep the ground beef in larger chunks for a heartier bite. Once cooked, remove from heat and drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, seasoned ground meat, drained beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, and Fritos.
- Pour Catalina dressing over the salad, using your judgment to reach the desired amount. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Top with extra Fritos and any additional toppings like green onions or black olives if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of this classic salad.
Notes:
If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time for a party or potluck, consider keeping the cooked and seasoned beef mixed with the beans and corn in a separate container. Store the lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in their own bags. Once you’re ready to serve, combine everything and add the Fritos and Catalina dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
