“Heart-A-Taco Salad” Reci-Piece Project

The Recipe: “Heart-A-Taco Salad”
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Ingredients:
1 of each of the following-
Head of lettuce
Tomato
Onion
Bag of shredded cheese
Packet of taco seasoning
Small jar of green olives
Can of kidney bean
Bottle of Thousand Island
Pound of hamburger
Bag of Taco Doritos

Story Behind the Recipe
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My dad made many meals for us when I was growing up as he got off work an hour before my mom so it just made sense. His meals were easy, hearty, and easy to like, much like my dad. When I served this to a group of friends and shared that it had an ENTRIE BOTTLE of dressing in it, we dubbed it “heart-a-taco salad” as we figured it would give us a heart attack if we ate it too often. We ate this recipe often when I was living with my parents, and I now make it for my husband and child. We do cut down on some of the less healthy ingredients, such as the dressing, to save some calories but it is definitely a family favorite!

Chop lettuce, onion, tomato and olives. Brown, drain fat and add taco seasoning per instructions on packet. Drain beans. Mix all ingredients together, except chips. Top salad with crushed chips. Enjoy!

I shared this meal in the patio tonight with my husband, Erik and son, Oliver. It was a lovely summer evening, cooler than usual. We all had our mouths stuffed with salad most of the time, so conversation was minimal. But we were still together, sharing Grandpa Warren’s famous salad.
I am glad to be able to pass this recipe on to others in Region 5. It has been a staple and an easy “go to” recipe and I hope others can enjoy it as much as I have.

Dawn Espe

Region Five Development Commission