Frito Taco Salad
Servings 8 servings
Calories 772kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- salt to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes sliced
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper or small green bell pepper sliced
- 1 4 oz can sliced black olives drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
- 1 16 oz bottle Catalina dressing
- 1 9 oz bag chili cheese or plain fritos
- 1 large avocado diced
- chopped green onion for garnishing optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat cook ground beef with onion in a few drizzles of olive oil. Cook for 10 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain fat from pan. Add taco seasoning and garlic, simmer for another 5-8 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, if needed. Set aside.
- In a large bowl: Toss together lettuce, beans, tomatoes, onion, pepper, olives and cheese. You may reserve some cheese for the top, if desired. Add beef and 1/2 cup dressing. Mix well. Toss 1/2 fritos and avocado into salad.
- Serve immediately with remaining dressing and fritos on the side garnished with green onion, if desired. (If making in advance only toss with dressing, fritos and diced avocado just before serving.)
Notes
- Lettuce - I make this salad with iceberg lettuce, as it holds up to being dressed in advance better than other varieties. You can certainly use romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce or a combination of romaine and iceberg, if preferred.
- Peppers - If you prefer less heat, swap out the jalapeno pepper for red bell pepper. Likewise, you could also use poblano pepper for spice.
- Salad Dressing - You could top this salad with jalapeno ranch dressing, avocado lime ranch dressing or sour cream.
- Assembling and Serving - I recommend dressing the salad with 1/2 cup salad dressing then serving the remaining on the side. This way people can adjust the amount to their own taste.
- Add the Fritos Before Serving - Do the same with the fritos. They won't become soggy immediately, but I wouldn't recommend adding them to the salad hours in advance of serving. Serve the remaining fritos on the side and people can add more to their serving, if desired.
- Adjust the Ingredients Depending on Servings - The amount of total servings really depends on the appetites of those you're serving. As a side dish you could easily get 8 servings. As a main dish, closer to 6.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 772kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1561mg | Potassium: 757mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 1077IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 3mg