This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and colorful dish! It’s packed with crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and zesty cheese. Perfect for a quick meal!
You can really let your creativity shine with this salad! I love adding in my favorite toppings, like olives or avocado. It’s a great way to enjoy taco night without all the fuss. 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Both options taste great with the taco seasoning!
Taco Seasoning: You can buy pre-made seasoning, or mix your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade touch.
Iceberg Lettuce: While iceberg is crunchy and refreshing, romaine or even mixed greens add a little twist. Use your favorite salad greens!
Cherry Tomatoes: If you’d like a sweeter option, using halved grape tomatoes works well too. They’re juicy and flavorful!
Doritos: Nacho cheese flavor is classic, but Cool Ranch Doritos can add a fun flavor twist! You could also use tortilla chips if Doritos aren’t available.
Sour Cream: For a healthier option, plain Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream; it’s creamy and tangy!
How Can I Make Sure My Salad Stays Crunchy?
Keeping that crunch in your salad is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Use fresh veggies! Shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crispy chips should be added right before serving.
- Let the beef mixture cool a bit before adding. This prevents wilting the lettuce.
- Top the salad with Doritos right before serving, so they don’t get soggy.
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Doritos nacho cheese chips, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Doritos Taco Salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and is perfect for a quick meal or a party dish. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the meat and mixing everything together, and it’s ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s well-browned and cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess grease from the pan to keep your salad light and healthy!
2. Add Taco Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix into the skillet with the browned meat. Follow the instructions on the packet, which usually involves adding a bit of water and letting it simmer for a few minutes. Once done, set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large serving bowl, combine your shredded iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using corn, toss it in as well. This colorful base brings great crunch and flavor!
4. Combine Everything:
Once the beef mixture has cooled down a bit, add it to the salad bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is mixed well but still fresh and crisp.
5. Top It Off:
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the broken Doritos over the top for that delicious crunch. Add dollops of sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions as your finishing touches.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Doritos Taco Salad immediately while everything is fresh and crispy. If you like, garnish with lime wedges for a zesty kick! Enjoy every bite of your tasty creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as ground turkey may cook faster. Look for a mix with some fat content for a juicier result!
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning Mix?
No problem! You can make your own taco seasoning by combining 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices according to your flavor preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to keep the Doritos separate to maintain their crunch. The salad will be good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it, just mix everything together again before serving!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
You can prep components ahead of time! Cook the ground beef and chop the vegetables, then refrigerate separately until you’re ready to assemble. Just add the Doritos just before serving to keep them crispy.
