Elevate Your Taco Salads: The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor with Dorothy Lynch
Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that promises to bring an explosion of flavor to your table: homemade Taco Salads featuring a unique twist with Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment. These aren’t just any taco salads; they are served in wonderfully crispy, homemade taco bowls and infused with a special, spicy, slightly sweet, and tangy Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce that elevates every single bite. Prepare for a family favorite that comes together surprisingly fast!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. All opinions and my deep love for their Nebraska-Made Home Style Dressing & Condiment are entirely my own.
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The Irresistible Allure of Taco Salads and a Dorothy Lynch Twist
My amazing readers, you asked for more refreshing and satisfying salads this summer, and I am thrilled to deliver a true winner! Taco salads have always held a special place in my heart. Honestly, just add the word “taco” to almost any dish, and you’ve already won me over. What’s not to adore about tacos? The incredible, savory, and zesty flavors can be incorporated into an endless array of recipes, making them endlessly versatile and consistently delicious.
While the convenience of store-bought taco seasoning packets is often tempting, there are those moments when I either have the luxury of time to prepare my homemade taco seasoning recipe, or I’ve simply forgotten to pick up a packet at the grocery store. This recipe presents an even more exciting alternative, taking taco flavor to an entirely new dimension.
A Few of My Favorite Taco-Inspired Recipes:
- Mom’s Taco Casserole
- Taco Meatloaf
- Baked Shredded Beef Tacos
- Taco Stew
- Taco Tot Casserole
- Peaches ‘n Cream Dessert Tacos
The Magic Ingredient: Dorothy Lynch in Your Taco Meat
Let’s talk about the secret weapon in these incredible taco salads: Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment. Instead of simply simmering the ground beef and spices in water, I introduced Dorothy Lynch into the mixture, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. This simple addition transformed the ground beef, imparting a whole new dimension of flavor that is truly unique. Its distinct tomato base, combined with its signature light and tangy profile, infuses the taco meat with a rich, savory, and subtly sweet taste that you simply won’t get from traditional taco seasonings alone.
Once the ground beef is beautifully browned and simmered with the spices and Dorothy Lynch, it’s ready to become the heart of our taco salads. But first, we need to whip up the star of the show: our homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce!
Crafting the Homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce
Just like with the taco meat, creating this vibrant taco sauce is incredibly easy and uses common household spices you likely already have in your pantry. You might be wondering, “Why turn a condiment into another condiment?” Well, my friend, if you’ve followed my previous culinary adventures with Dorothy Lynch, you’ll know exactly why! I once transformed Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment into an unbelievable barbecue sauce for my Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops, and it was an instant hit at our house. That recipe has been on repeat ever since!
And let’s not forget my Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches, which soared into my top ten recipes within a month of being posted. That’s a significant achievement considering I have over 500 recipes on my site! These sandwiches are so good, they will absolutely replace your favorite Sloppy Joe recipe – I promise you that!
So, when the idea for taco salad struck, I knew immediately that Dorothy Lynch had to be involved. I simply whisked all those classic taco spices into Dorothy Lynch, and the resulting sauce was nothing short of incredible! My son and his girlfriend are completely hooked. They’ve even started using it as a marinade for chicken breasts before grilling, which just goes to show its amazing versatility. This sauce brings a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that perfectly complement the savory taco meat and fresh salad components.
Homemade Air Fryer Taco Bowls: The Perfect Edible Vessel
Before declaring these taco salads complete, I had to try something I’d been contemplating for a while. My air fryer and I are currently having a passionate love affair (and not just because it makes perfect pizza rolls in 6 minutes!). I decided to attempt making crispy taco salad bowls in my air fryer – and it was a resounding success! After a couple of tries to perfect the technique, I discovered that with a burrito-sized tortilla, you can easily create an edible Taco Bowl right in your air fryer. It’s not mandatory, of course, but it certainly adds a fun, delicious, and perfectly crunchy element to your taco salad experience. These bowls are ideal for holding all your delicious fillings and sauces without making a mess, turning your salad into a truly complete and satisfying meal.
^Love Them? Pin Them for Later!^
One of the best parts about this recipe is its efficiency. You can prepare the crispy taco bowls ahead of time, or make them while you’re cooking the taco meat and whisking together the sauce. With minimal light chopping for your favorite toppings, you can have a complete, mouth-watering dinner for four on the table in just a little over 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something fresh, flavorful, and filling.
Essential Ingredients for Dorothy’s Taco Salad:
- **Spices for Taco Meat & Sauce:** Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper, Dried Oregano
- **Fresh Aromatics:** Onion (for the ground beef)
- **The Star Condiment:** Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment
- **Protein:** Lean Ground Beef
- **For the Bowls:** Large Flour Tortillas (burrito size recommended)
- **Foundation:** Refried Beans
- **Classic Toppings:** Crisp Shredded Lettuce, Diced Fresh Tomatoes, Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend, Fresh Cilantro
Once your homemade taco bowls are ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Start by spreading a generous layer of warm, creamy refried beans into the bottom of each bowl. Next, pile in the Dorothy Lynch-seasoned ground beef and onions. Follow with a refreshing layer of shredded lettuce, vibrant diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of a delicious Mexican cheese blend.
Finally, the moment of truth: generously drizzle that exquisite homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce over the top of your salad. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness and color, and then, without hesitation, dig in and savor every incredible bite!
Transform a simple can of refried beans into a restaurant-quality side dish in mere minutes! With just two simple additions, you’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite Mexican spot, all from the comfort of your home!
For the refried beans in this recipe, I highly recommend using my tried and true restaurant-style refried beans recipe. This particular recipe consistently ranks among my top 10 most popular recipes every year, and for good reason! It takes an ordinary can of refried beans and, with just a couple of simple additions, elevates them to a creamy, flavorful consistency that tastes just like what you’d get at your favorite Mexican restaurant, all in a matter of minutes. This step truly enhances the texture and flavor of the base of your taco bowls.
Understanding the Unique Appeal of Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment
For those of you who might be new to the wonderful world of Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment, allow me to share a bit about its fascinating history and what makes it so special.
Dorothy Lynch’s story began in the 1940s at the Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. Dorothy herself crafted this distinctive homemade dressing for the restaurant, and it quickly became a sensation. Patrons couldn’t get enough of it, even bringing their own bottles to be filled with this delectable dressing to take home. Today, this famed dressing is produced in a sprawling 64,000-square-foot facility in Duncan, Nebraska, a charming town with a population of just 351. Dorothy Lynch is available in two popular varieties: the classic Home Style and a lighter Light & Lean option. Committed to quality, Dorothy Lynch contains no MSG, cholesterol, or trans fats, and is entirely gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for many dietary preferences.
Dispelling Misconceptions about Dorothy Lynch:
Because of its inviting reddish-orange hue, many people might initially assume Dorothy Lynch tastes similar to French dressing. However, this is a common misconception! Unlike most French dressings that are traditionally oil-based, Dorothy Lynch boasts a unique tomato base. This gives it a distinctly thick and creamy texture, accompanied by a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone. It genuinely tastes homemade, offering a comforting and familiar flavor. For Nebraskans, like myself, it’s more than just a dressing – it tastes like home, evoking cherished memories and a sense of regional pride.
Where to Find Your Own Bottle of Dorothy Lynch Dressing:
Dorothy Lynch Dressing is readily available at most grocery stores across Nebraska. You can also find it in select grocery stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee. If you’re having trouble locating it in your local store, don’t worry! You can conveniently stock your pantry with Dorothy Lynch by shopping online through Buy Nebraska or Amazon. Make sure you never run out of this essential condiment!
Stay connected with Dorothy Lynch for more delicious recipes and updates by visiting their official website, and following their social media channels on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. You’ll find inspiration for meals all year long!
Discover ALL of My Favorite Dorothy Lynch Recipes Here!
Are you ready to create these phenomenal Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce in your own kitchen? I certainly am! Let’s get to cooking and enjoy this unique, flavor-packed meal together!
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Print Recipe
Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
American/ Mexican
Air Fryer Taco Shell Bowls, Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing & Condiment, Taco Salads, Taco Sauce, Ground Beef Tacos
4
salads
1035
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
For the Dorothy Lynch 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
For the Taco Salads (Meat & Base)
- 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 black 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 & Toppings
- Crisp Shredded Lettuce
- Diced Tomatoes
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- Restaurant-Style Refried Beans
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- Homemade Flour Taco Shell Bowls (or store-bought)
Instructions
-
To prepare the Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the taco sauce ingredients (Dorothy Lynch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper). Whisk well until thoroughly combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble your salads.
-
To prepare the taco meat: In a large frying pan, brown the lean ground beef along with the chopped onion over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess fat. Stir in the Dorothy Lynch, water, and all the specified taco spices (oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper). Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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To assemble the taco salads: Take your prepared flour tortilla taco bowls (homemade or store-bought) and spread a layer of warm refried beans into the bottom of each. Next, spoon in a generous portion of the warm Dorothy Lynch-seasoned ground beef and onions. Top with crisp shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese blend.
-
Finish each taco salad by drizzling abundantly with the homemade Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce you prepared earlier. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a final touch of brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe for Restaurant Style Refried Beans (highly recommended for best flavor!)
Recipe for Air Fryer Taco Salad Bowls (for the ultimate edible bowl experience)
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
Serving:
1
|
Calories:
1035
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
85
g
|
Protein:
50
g
|
Fat:
55
g
|
Saturated Fat:
14
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
36
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
124
mg
|
Sodium:
2402
mg
|
Fiber:
9
g
|
Sugar:
7
g