Have you ever had a salad that’s so tasty, crunchy, and hearty that you forgot it was a salad? Well, that’s exactly how you’ll feel about this amazing Frito Taco Salad! This recipe is a family favorite at our house because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also ridiculously easy to put together in just 30 minutes. The crunchy Fritos, savory taco-seasoned beef, and vibrant, fresh ingredients make it irresistible. Additionally, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or potlucks when you need a crowd-pleaser that accommodates all dietary preferences.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Taste & Texture: Crunchy Fritos pair perfectly with savory taco beef, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomatoes for a satisfying meal.
- Ease & Convenience: Ready in just 30 minutes with no complicated steps or special equipment.
- Family Favorite: This salad is always a hit at our house—perfected through countless family dinners and parties.
Frito Taco Salad
This quick and easy Frito Taco Salad recipe is loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, crunchy corn chips, and zesty dressing. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Frito corn chips
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup Catalina dressing (or to taste)
- Optional toppings: peppers, onions, jalapenos, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning and ½ cup of water to the skillet. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, seasoned beef, tomatoes, cheese, 1 cup of Frito corn chips, salsa, and your choice of optional toppings.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle Catalina dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with the remaining Frito corn chips. Serve immediately for maximum crunchiness!
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute shredded cheddar with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add corn, black beans, or avocado for extra nutrition.
What Are My Best Tips for Making Frito Taco Salad?
- Don’t Overdress: Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
- Make it Ahead: For potlucks, keep the beef mixture and salad separate until ready to serve, then toss just before eating.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftover beef separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat beef in the microwave or on the stovetop before combining with fresh salad ingredients.
FAQ Section
What ingredients go on a taco salad?
Classic taco salads typically include ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, corn chips, salsa, and a dressing such as Catalina.
Why was the taco salad discontinued?
Some restaurants discontinue taco salads due to changes in their menus or health considerations. However, homemade versions like this one allow you to enjoy the classic anytime!
What does Taco John’s put on their taco salad?
Taco John’s taco salad features seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, and tortilla strips with salsa dressing.
What does Taco Bell put in their taco salad?
Taco Bell’s taco salad, which included seasoned beef, beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and crunchy tortilla strips, was discontinued.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a truly delicious, quick, and crowd-pleasing gluten-free Frito Taco Salad everyone will love! This is one of our favorite recipes for potlucks and family dinners, and I hope it becomes one of yours, too.
Give this Frito Taco Salad a try and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media and explore my other tasty gluten-free recipes!
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Frito Taco Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This quick and easy Frito Taco Salad is loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, crunchy corn chips, and a zesty Catalina dressing. A guaranteed crowd‑pleaser for any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet or ≈ 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Frito corn chips
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup Catalina dressing (or to taste)
- Optional toppings: peppers, onions, jalapeños, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Season – Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer about 5 minutes, until thickened.
- Build the Salad – In a large bowl, layer lettuce, seasoned beef, tomatoes, cheese, 1 cup Fritos, salsa, and any optional toppings.
- Dress & Toss – Drizzle Catalina dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with the remaining Frito corn chips and serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
- Making ahead for a party? Keep beef (cooled), beans, and corn in one container; lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in separate bags. Combine on‑site, adding Fritos and dressing last.
- Swap Catalina for French or ranch dressing if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Tossing
- Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 815mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
