Elevate your weeknight meals with these extraordinary Taco Salads, featuring a unique, homemade Taco Sauce crafted with the iconic Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment. Served in perfectly crispy, homemade taco bowls, this dish promises a symphony of spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors that transform ordinary ground beef into a culinary delight. Prepare to savor every bite, customized with all your favorite toppings!
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share another sensational recipe that perfectly showcases the incredible versatility of Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment. These Taco Salads, made even more special with a custom Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce, quickly became a cherished family favorite. They are not just meals; they are experiences, delivering a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds sing!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. All opinions expressed and my genuine love for their Nebraska-Made Home Style Dressing & Condiment are entirely my own.
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You, my wonderful readers, have been asking for more inspiring salad recipes, especially for the warmer months, and I am absolutely delighted to deliver another triumphant dish! Taco salads have always held a special place in my heart. The mere mention of “taco” instantly elevates any food item in my culinary lexicon. What’s not to adore about the incredible flavor profile of a taco? Its vibrant, savory, and often spicy notes can be ingeniously incorporated into an astonishing array of recipes, making it a truly versatile and beloved staple.
My kitchen has seen countless variations on the taco theme, proving just how adaptable these flavors are. From hearty casseroles to comforting stews, the essence of a taco can bring life to so many dishes. This love for all things taco has led to a collection of truly memorable recipes that my family requests again and again.
Beyond the Bowl: More Taco Inspired Creations
- Mom’s Hearty Taco Casserole
- Savory Taco Meatloaf
- Effortless Baked Shredded Beef Tacos
- Comforting Taco Stew
- Fun Taco Tot Casserole
- Sweet Peaches ‘n Cream Dessert Tacos
But today, our focus is squarely on the culinary magic woven into this particular Taco Salad. I’ll confess, for convenience, I often reach for a store-bought seasoning packet when making tacos. However, every now and then, I either have the luxury of extra time to whip up my tried-and-true homemade taco seasoning recipe, or I find myself without a packet and get creative. This recipe, though, takes a delightful detour from the usual path, promising an elevated flavor experience.
Making your own taco seasoning from scratch is surprisingly simple, and chances are, your pantry already holds all the necessary spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. But for this specific Taco Salad, I embarked on an exciting flavor experiment. Instead of merely simmering the ground beef and spices in water, I introduced Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment into the mix. This ingenious addition delivered an entirely new dimension of flavor. Dorothy Lynch, with its distinctive tomato base and wonderfully light, tangy profile, infused the taco meat with an unparalleled richness and a subtle sweetness that truly set it apart.
The result was a ground beef filling that was not only deeply savory but also wonderfully moist and incredibly flavorful. It was a game-changer, transforming what could be a standard taco salad into something truly special. This secret ingredient is what makes these Dorothy Lynch Taco Salads an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their taco night.
Once the perfectly seasoned taco meat has simmered to perfection, it’s ready to become the star of our salad bowls. But before we assemble, there’s one more essential component to prepare: our homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce! This sauce is truly the crowning glory of the dish, adding an extra layer of bold, zesty flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
Just like the meat seasoning, crafting this vibrant taco sauce is remarkably straightforward, requiring only common pantry spices. You might be wondering, “Why turn a condiment into another condiment?” My dear friends, if you recall my previous culinary adventures with Dorothy Lynch, you’ll understand! My homemade barbecue sauce, also created from Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment, was an absolute triumph. Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops have been a smashing success in our household ever since, earning rave reviews.
And let’s not forget my Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches, which skyrocketed into my top ten recipes within a month of their debut. That’s a significant achievement, considering my site boasts over 500 recipes! They are undeniably delicious and I promise, they will quickly replace your current favorite Sloppy Joe recipe. These past successes solidified my belief in Dorothy Lynch’s incredible potential to elevate and transform dishes in unexpected ways.
So, when the idea of creating a taco salad came to mind, I instinctively knew exactly how to make it truly exceptional. I whisked together an assortment of classic taco spices with Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing, and the resulting sauce was nothing short of incredible. Its balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes perfectly complemented the seasoned beef. This sauce has become so popular in my home that my son and his girlfriend are now using it as a marinade for chicken breasts before grilling – a testament to its irresistible flavor! This homemade taco sauce not only enhances the salad but also adds a personalized touch that store-bought options simply can’t match.
But before I could declare this taco salad truly complete, there was one more exciting element I wanted to incorporate: homemade taco bowls. My air fryer and I are currently having a passionate love affair (and it’s not just because it can whip up pizza rolls in a mere six minutes, though that certainly helps!). I decided to challenge myself and see if I could create perfectly crispy taco salad bowls using my air fryer.
And success! It took a couple of attempts to get the technique just right, but I ultimately perfected it. With a standard burrito-sized tortilla, you can easily make an edible Taco Bowl right in your air fryer! While not strictly mandatory for a delicious taco salad, these homemade bowls add an undeniably fun and flavorful crunch, making each bite an absolute delight. They also eliminate the need for extra dishes, as you can eat your entire meal, bowl included!
^Love Them? Pin Them!^
The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency. You can prepare the crispy taco bowls ahead of time, or simply make them as you cook the seasoned beef and whisk together the Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce. The remaining steps involve just a quick chop of your favorite toppings. This means you can have a flavorful and satisfying dinner for four on the table in just a little over 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or quality.
Essential Ingredients for Dorothy’s Signature Taco Salad
Crafting these delectable taco salads requires a blend of common pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- For the Spices: Salt, Black Pepper, Rich Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Sweet Paprika, a pinch of Cayenne Pepper for heat, Crushed Red Pepper flakes, and Dried Oregano.
- Aromatics: One fresh Onion.
- The Secret Ingredient: Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment.
- Protein: High-quality Lean Ground Beef.
- For the Bowls: Burrito-sized Flour Tortillas.
- Base Layer: Creamy Refried Beans.
- Fresh Toppings: Crisp Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, a blend of Shredded Mexican Cheese, and fresh Cilantro for garnish.
Once your homemade taco bowls are ready, it’s time for the exciting assembly! Begin by spreading a generous layer of warm refried beans into the bottom of each crispy bowl. Next, pile in the savory Dorothy Lynch taco-seasoned ground beef and onions. Follow with a mound of crisp shredded lettuce, a vibrant sprinkle of diced tomatoes, and a liberal helping of shredded Mexican cheese blend. The layers of color and texture are truly appealing, building anticipation for the first delicious bite.
The final, irresistible flourish? A generous drizzle of that homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce cascading over the top of your beautifully constructed salad. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of herbaceous flavor and color, and then, without further delay, dive in! Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes – the crunch of the bowl, the creamy beans, the rich beef, the fresh vegetables, and that extraordinary sauce tying it all together.
Transform a simple can of refried beans into a gourmet, restaurant-quality side dish in mere minutes! With just two humble additions, you’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite Mexican restaurant, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
For the refried beans in this recipe, I highly recommend using my tried-and-true method for restaurant-style refried beans. This particular recipe consistently ranks among my top 10 most popular recipes year after year, and for good reason! It takes an ordinary can of refried beans and elevates it into a rich, creamy, and flavorful side dish that rivals those served in authentic Mexican eateries, all in a matter of minutes. Utilizing this technique will ensure your beans are wonderfully smooth and decadent, providing the perfect base for your taco bowls.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the culinary marvel that is Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment, allow me to introduce you to its charming history and unique characteristics. This beloved dressing truly stands out in the crowded world of condiments, offering a flavor profile unlike any other. Its story is as rich and authentic as its taste.
Dorothy Lynch originated in the 1940s at the humble Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. Dorothy herself crafted this homemade dressing for the restaurant, and it wasn’t long before patrons became utterly enchanted by its distinct flavor. People would even bring their own bottles to the club, eager to have them filled with this exquisite dressing. Fast forward to today, and this legendary dressing is produced in a sprawling 64,000-square-foot facility in Duncan, Nebraska, a town with a charming population of just 351. Dorothy Lynch is available in two popular varieties: the classic Home Style and a lighter Light & Lean option. What makes it even more appealing is its commitment to quality: Dorothy Lynch contains no MSG, cholesterol, or trans fats, and it is entirely gluten-free, making it a conscious choice for many households.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment:
Due to its reddish-orange hue, many people mistakenly assume Dorothy Lynch tastes like traditional French dressing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While most French dressings are oil-based, Dorothy Lynch boasts a distinct tomato base. This gives it a wonderfully thick and creamy texture, coupled with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavor that appeals to nearly everyone. It genuinely tastes homemade, offering a nostalgic comfort. For those of us from Nebraska, like myself, it truly tastes like home – a familiar and comforting flavor that evokes cherished memories.
WHERE TO FIND YOUR OWN BOTTLE OF DOROTHY LYNCH DRESSING?
Dorothy Lynch Dressing is widely available at most grocery stores across Nebraska, a testament to its local popularity. Beyond its home state, you can also find it in select grocery stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and HyVee. If you have trouble locating it on your local shelves, don’t fret! You can easily keep your pantry stocked with this exceptional dressing by shopping online through Buy Nebraska or Amazon. Never be without your favorite dressing again!
Stay connected with Dorothy Lynch for delicious recipes and updates all year long by visiting their official website, and by following them on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.
Explore ALL My Dorothy Lynch Recipes
Are you ready to create these incredible Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce? I certainly am! Let’s get cooking and savor the extraordinary flavors together!
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Print Recipe
Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce
Air fried taco bowls, filled with Dorothy Lynch seasoned taco meat, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, then topped with homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce! Spicy, tangy, and delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American/ Mexican
Keyword: Air Fryer Taco Shell Bowls, Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment, Taco Salads, Taco Sauce
Servings: 4 salads
Calories: 1035 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
Taco Sauce
- ¾ cup Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Taco Salads
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon of each: oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon of each: salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment
- ¼ cup water
For Serving
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Shredded Mexican Cheese
- Refried Beans
- Cilantro
- Flour Taco Shell Bowls
Instructions
- To prepare the Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
- To prepare the taco salads: Brown ground beef with onion in a frying pan over medium heat, crumbling as it cooks. When meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat. Add in Dorothy Lynch, water, and the specified spices. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Carefully spread warm refried beans into the bottom of your prepared crispy flour tortilla taco bowls. Top generously with the flavorful, warm Dorothy Lynch taco-seasoned meat mixture. Next, add a layer of crisp shredded lettuce, followed by fresh diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese.
- Finish off each salad with a decadent drizzle of the homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce and a garnish of freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, flavor-packed taco salad!
Notes
Dorothy’s Taco Sauce makes approximately ¾ cup. Refrigerate any unused portion in an airtight container for up to a week.
Discover the Recipe for Restaurant Style Refried Beans here.
Learn How to Make Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls with this recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 1035kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 2402mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g