Pat’s Beach Taco Salad

A favorite beach memory for our family is Pat’s Beach Taco Salad. Nothing about it is beachy, but our family always makes this main dish salad on any given beach week during the summer. Since there are four of us girls, there is a good chance we have included this in our beach menu on our weeks at the family beach house.  And since my Mom started this tradition, I have named it in her memory.  Miss her so much, and just tasting a bite of this taco salad brings her close to me.

There have been times when we have made the salad in other forms, depending on if someone else with a different version is vacationing with us. There have been substitutions like Ranch Dressing for the Catalina, different bean choices, or maybe a different type of lettuce.  Then there is the tortilla chip substitute for the Nacho Cheese Doritos. I respect other versions, but if it is up to me, I stick with Mom’s.

One thing that I just discovered today is that I do like separating the ingredients.  We have lot’s of little kiddos this week and you know how picky they can be.  I must say that I liked being able to personalize the amount of lettuce and not having to eat the onions.  Normally, we just mix the whole mess together and get at it.  The only problem is IF you have any leftovers, they do NOT look appetizing the next day. At all.

You might want to try some of these cute mini cheesecakes as a sweet ending to your meal.  Or do what we did tonight.  We drove over to our favorite ice cream place on the island.  Double Chocolate Fudge, in a cup.  Just saying.

Pat's Beach Taco Salad

So much fun to make and eat, this taco salad recipe will be a family favorite to eat at home or at the beach!

By: Anna

• July 29, 2021
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Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef, browned & drained
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 15-oz. can dark red kidney beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or to taste
• 1 small bottle of Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing
• 1 regular bag Nacho Cheese Doritos

Directions

Step 1

In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef until well-browned, maybe a little crispy. Drain well.

Step 2

Combine taco seasoning and water, then add to browned beef, stirring to combine. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until most of the juice has been absorbed.

Step 3

Combine all ingredients and toss to combine. Or serve ingredients separately.