This Dorito Taco Salad is a fun and tasty mix of crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing. It’s like a party in a bowl!
You can’t help but love the crunch of the Doritos with the juicy toppings. It’s a hit for dinner or any gathering. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up—who doesn’t appreciate that?
Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: I recommend using taco flavor for that extra kick, but nacho cheese works great too! If you want a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips or even homemade tortilla strips for crunch.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is a popular choice, but turkey or shredded chicken can be good alternatives for lower fat. You could even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option!
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet on hand, a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder can be an excellent homemade substitute.
Sour Cream: For a lighter version, you might use Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess but packs a protein punch too!
How Can I Get the Ground Beef Just Right?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to make sure it turns out tasty and tender. It’s important to break the meat apart well while cooking.
- Start in a preheated skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Use a spatula to crumble the beef into smaller bits as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Don’t rush the draining! Let the fat drain completely to prevent a greasy salad.
- After adding the seasoning, let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors.
How to Make Dorito Taco Salad with Creamy Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag of Doritos (taco flavor or nacho cheese)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus some additional time to let the dressing chill if needed. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the beef and preparing the dressing, and another 10 minutes assembling the salad. It’s quick and perfect for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned, stirring occasionally to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat out of the skillet. Add the taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet. Typically, you’ll need to add some water and let it simmer until the mixture thickens. Once it’s ready, set it aside to cool down a bit.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
While the beef is cooking, grab a bowl and prepare the creamy dressing. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you have time, let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Take a large serving platter or a big bowl. Start by arranging the Doritos around the edges to create a ring. This will make a fun “bowl” for your salad. It should look like a colorful border around the inside of your dish!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
In the center of the Dorito ring, place the shredded lettuce evenly. This will be the first layer of your salad. After that, add the cooked ground beef on top of the lettuce, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and the halved cherry tomatoes.
5. Dress the Salad:
Just before you serve the salad, drizzle the creamy dressing over the top to add a tasty finish. If you prefer, you can serve the dressing on the side for everyone to add their own amount. It’s totally up to you!
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the salad for a pop of color and flavor. If you like, toss in some fresh cilantro for an extra touch. Serve your Dorito Taco Salad immediately and enjoy!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust the seasoning slightly, as turkey can have a milder flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary compared to beef.
What If I Don’t Have Lime Juice?
No worries! If you’re out of lime juice, you can use lemon juice instead, which will give a similar tang. Another option is to use vinegar, like apple cider or white vinegar, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dressing.
How Should I Store Leftover Taco Salad?
To store leftovers, separate the salad ingredients from the Doritos to keep them crunchy. Place the beef, veggies, and dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can add freshly broken Doritos just before serving again for maximum crunch!
Can I Make the Creamy Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the creamy dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it, as it may thicken when chilled. This can save time and allow the flavors to meld beautifully!
