Machaca Taco Salad is a cool, easy supper on a long hot day. 
We live in an HOA (homeowner’s association) that has three swimming pools for us to use. Consequently, we never felt the need to actually put in our own pool as many our friends and neighbors did. And the more of them that put in their own pools, the less crowded it became at our association pools. When our girls were small and in grade school, we loved going to the pool in the summer and we went almost every evening at supper time. Yes, you heard right. Supper time! The girls would be ready and anxious to go by the time Mr. B pulled into the drive from work. We would load the car up with a picnic supper and spend the next few hours lounging by the pool, in the cooler afternoon, and sometimes late into the evening. Just enjoying the breeze, the sunset, and watching our two beautiful mermaids splashing in the pool. Oh! Those were the days! And we thought they were gone. But now we have a couple of grandkids to watch at the pool – one a graceful mermaid like her mother, and the other is a rambunctious sea serpent – like his dad.
One of our favorite meals to take to the pool was a taco salad. Light and cool, I would make a big bowl full, but none was ever left to bring home. Now I have put a new twist on an old favorite. The meat can be fixed up ahead of time, and left to chill until ready to eat. Then load it on top of a green salad, add a few chips on the side – and presto!- a delicious meal that even the kids will eat. (Well, most of them at least. As it turns out, sea serpents mainly eat chips.)
Also great for potlucks and brunch, here is Machaca Taco Salad, our new favorite take-to-the-pool supper.
Machaca Taco Salad
- 1 lb package Del Real Foods shredded beef
- 1 lb package of Del Real Foods Ranchero Beans, drained
- 1 pkg taco seasoning
- ½ lb shredded cheddar or Mexiblend cheese
- ½ bottle of Catalina dressing
- chopped onion to taste
- 1 head of lettuce, chopped
- pint of cherry tomatoes
- 1 sm bag of Doritos
- Drain the Del Real Foods Ranchero Beans. Rinse slightly, but don't rinse away all of the seasoning and peppers. Let drain.
- Empty the Del Real Foods shredded beef into a large bowl. Stir to separate the shreds.
- Stir in the package of dry taco seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Add the drained beans and onion.
- Add about ½ bottle of the Catalina dressing and stir well to blend.
- Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator to chill.
- To serve, place the lettuce into a salad bowl. Add the seasoned beef on top. Add the tomatoes. Slightly crush several handfuls of Doritos and place on top. Finish off by sprinkling the cheese on top.
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One of my favorite things to eat when visiting my grandma was a taco salad similar to this. Yummy!
Hi Ashlee, I’ll bet your grandma’s recipe was almost the same as this. This recipe was very popular back in the 80’s and 90’s. And I still enjoy making it today. So make a taco salad and think about grandma. Thanks for stopping by. Merry
This looks delicious!! I am always looking for new recipes to try!!
Hi, This is one of my favorite go to recipes. So easy. You’ll love it. Thanks, Merry
WOW! This looks amazing I cannot wait to try it.
WOW! This looks amazing I cannot wait to try it.
Danielle, I’m sure you will love it. It is a light and cool supper on a hot summer night. Thanks, Merry
This looks scrumptious! A great option for a quick meal or potluck! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Michele, This is a really easy and light supper on a hot summer night. Thanks for stopping by. Merry
This looks yummy for all! I have never had Catalina dressing, but when I make taco salad I mix yogurt with ranch dressing mix powder and taco seasoning to taste! 😁
Hello Jessie, Catalina is a popular dressing that is similar to French. Your dressing mix sounds great too. I’ll have to try it. Thanks for stopping by. Merry