Mom’s Thousand Island Taco Salad
Hello, my foodie friends!
There’s something truly special about childhood comfort foods—the flavors, the memories, and the way certain dishes instantly bring us back home. For me, one of those recipes is Mom’s Thousand Island Taco Salad.
Growing up, this was a dish my mom made all the time, and to this day, it holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a family tradition, and a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a fun twist on taco night, this salad is guaranteed to surprise and delight!
A Taco Salad with a Secret Ingredient
Now, I know what you might be thinking—Thousand Island dressing in a taco salad? It’s not the most traditional choice, but trust me, it just works. The creamy, tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the bold, savory taco flavors, creating a deliciously unexpected twist on a classic taco salad recipe.
If you’re looking for a unique taco salad idea or a new way to elevate taco night, this is the best taco salad recipe to try. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and full of zesty flavor in every bite. One taste, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it this way all along!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef, browned and seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup jalapeños, sliced (optional for spice lovers!)
- 1 Cup Salsa
- 1 bag Original Doritos, crushed slightly
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing (adjust to taste)
How to Make Mom’s Thousand Island Taco Salad
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, and drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning. Set aside and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, Salsa and jalapeños.
Step 3: Add the Crunch & Cheese
Toss in the crushed Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Once the ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the salad. Drizzle with the Thousand Island dressing and gently toss everything together until coated.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Scoop onto plates, grab a fork, and dig in! If you like, add a little extra cheese or a few more Doritos on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Mom's Thousand Island Taco Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowel
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. Lean Ground Beef Browned
- 1 Pkg. Taco Seasoning
- 2 Heads Romaine Lettuce Chopped
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Cup Tomatoes Diced
- 1/2 Cup Onion Diced
- 1/4 Cup Jalapenos Diced
- 1 Cup Salsa
- 1 Bag Original Doritos Crushed
- 1/2 Cup Thousand Island Dressing
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef chopping the meat as it browns.
- Add the taco seasoning and set aside
- In large bowl combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, onion and jalapenos.
- Toss the crushed foritos and shredded cheddar cheese mixing evenly.
- Once the ground beef is cooled slightly, add it to the salad. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
⭐ Prefer a lighter version? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or grilled chicken.
⭐ Want extra heat? Add sliced jalapeños, more Cholula, or even a dash of cayenne.
⭐ Need a crunchier bite? Serve with whole Doritos on the side and let everyone scoop their own!
Final Thoughts
I like to Take a small bottle of Thousand Island dressing and add 1 tbsp. of Cholula hot sauce directly into the bottle. Shake it up well until fully blended for a beautiful splash of orange heat to drizzle on top. You can use Louisiana Hot Sauce, but I prefer Cholula. Here is a link to some flavors of the Cholula a like. https://www.cholula.com/
So, are you willing to give Thousand Island dressing with a spicy twist a try? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Please check out my last post if you missed it.
