Doritos Taco Salad

Category: Salads & Side dishes

Add a twist to your meal with this colorful Doritos Taco Salad! Packed with crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, and zesty toppings, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks or a quick weeknight dinner, it's a fun and flavorful choice. Save this recipe for an easy, delicious dish that everyone will love!

This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and crunchy meal that everyone will love! It mixes tasty taco meat, fresh veggies, and, of course, crispy Doritos for that extra zing.

Honestly, it feels like a party in a bowl! I enjoy making it for gatherings, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Just top it off with some dressing, and you’re set!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Doritos: The star of this recipe! I use Nacho Cheese flavor for that classic taste. You can swap them with other flavors like Cool Ranch or even make it healthier with baked tortilla chips.

Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option, perfect for reducing fat. You can also use ground chicken or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish!

Taco Seasoning: Instead of a packet, I love making a homemade taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s fresher and you can adjust the spice level to your liking!

Black Beans: These add protein and fiber to the salad. If you’re not a fan, feel free to swap them for pinto beans or even corn for a sweet touch.

Sour Cream: While I enjoy the creaminess of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great, healthier alternative that provides a similar texture with extra protein!

How Do I Cook the Ground Meat Perfectly?

Cooking the ground meat is the foundation of your taco salad. Here’s how to get it just right:

  • Start with a large skillet over medium heat. This prevents overcrowding and allows for even cooking.
  • Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks, stirring frequently to ensure all the pieces are browned—this usually takes around 7-10 minutes.
  • Don’t forget to drain excess fat! If you’re using lean meat, this may not be necessary.
  • Once browned, add the taco seasoning. Follow the packet instructions, usually adding some water and letting it simmer until thickened.

By cooking the meat thoroughly and seasoning well, your taco salad will have a great flavor base!

How to Make Doritos Taco Salad?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (9 oz) Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: additional toppings like jalapeños or avocado

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful Doritos Taco Salad will take about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the meat and another 15 minutes combining everything together. If you choose to let it chill for a bit before serving, you might want to add an extra hour for flavors to meld.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet so your salad is not greasy and deliciously fresh!

2. Add Taco Seasoning:

Next, stir in your taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding a little water and letting it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. This will give your meat a yummy flavor perfect for your salad!

3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked taco meat, drained black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss everything gently to mix it well without crushing the ingredients.

4. Add the Doritos:

Now it’s time to fold in the Doritos! Add them to the bowl and mix everything gently. You want the Doritos to be evenly distributed but still crunchy; avoid crushing them too much!

5. Top It Off:

Your final step is to add some delicious toppings! Sprinkle the salad with sliced green onions and black olives, then add a dollop of sour cream right on top. It’s looking good already!

6. Garnish and Serve:

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and any extra toppings you’d like, such as jalapeños or avocado, if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s best to serve this salad immediately while the Doritos are still crunchy, but if you need to, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to blend nicely.

Enjoy your flavorful and crunchy Doritos Taco Salad!

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, and consider adding a bit of extra seasoning, as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and replace it with an extra can of black beans or add in some cooked lentils. You can also mix in additional veggies like corn or bell peppers for added texture and flavor!

What Should I Do With Leftover Doritos Taco Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the Doritos will lose some crunch, so if you want to keep them crispy, consider keeping the toppings separate and adding them just before serving.

Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?

You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance! Just keep everything separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the Doritos. If you want to allow flavors to meld, combine the meat, beans, and veggies and mix just before serving.

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