Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and tasty dish that uses crunchy Doritos for a delightful twist! It’s packed with fresh veggies, beef, and creamy dressing that make every bite exciting.
This salad is a hit at parties and picnics! I love serving it in a big bowl, so everyone can dig in. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix and munch! Who can resist that crunch? 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: The classic choice is cheddar or nacho cheese flavor for that crunch and flavor boost. If you’re seeking a healthier option, try a baked tortilla chip or even pita chips for crunch without as much salt.
Ground Meat: I typically use ground beef for that rich flavor, but ground turkey is a great lean alternative. If you avoid meat, consider using a plant-based ground meat or even chickpeas for protein and texture.
Taco Seasoning: A pre-packaged seasoning is super convenient. You can also make your own with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika if you want to control the salt and flavor more closely.
Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend for its range of flavors. However, cheddar works well too. If you want a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese alternative or simply skip the cheese.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Beef Mixture?
The beef or turkey mixture is key to this salad’s flavor. Start by browning the meat evenly in a hot skillet. While cooking, break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once fully browned, drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Cook the meat over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and water according to package instructions. Stir well to coat the meat.
- Let it simmer for around 5 minutes to let flavors meld together. This step is crucial for that taco taste!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag of Doritos (cheddar or nacho cheese flavor)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/2 cup salsa (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Doritos Taco Salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking the meat and mixing everything together, and then a few more minutes for layering and serving. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the salad from getting greasy.
2. Season the Meat:
Now, add the taco seasoning to the cooked meat along with the water amount specified on the seasoning package. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help all the tasty flavors blend beautifully!
3. Layer the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, start by placing the shredded lettuce as your base. Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, add it on top of the lettuce.
4. Add the Toppings:
Next, layer on the black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced olives, and chopped green onions over the beef mixture. This creates a colorful and appetizing salad!
5. Crush the Doritos:
To give the salad a nice crunch, slightly crush the Doritos and sprinkle them evenly over the salad. This is where the fun really begins!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off the salad by garnishing it with fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings for extra flavor.
Enjoy your tasty and vibrant Doritos Taco Salad!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work beautifully in this salad. Just be sure to brown it well and drain any excess fat as you would with ground beef.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with an additional can of black beans or you can use lentils for added protein. Just season them with taco seasoning to infuse that delicious flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again to maintain their crunch!
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Beef?
You can enhance the beef’s flavor by adding diced onions and minced garlic while cooking. This will add a nice depth to the taco seasoning. Additionally, a splash of lime juice after cooking can brighten the flavors!
