This colorful Doritos Taco Salad is a fun twist on your typical salad! It’s loaded with crunchy Doritos, seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and topped with zesty dressing for a tasty bite.
You can’t go wrong with chips on your salad—right? 😄 I love serving it at parties because it’s quick to make and everyone always goes back for seconds (or thirds!).
For me, the best part is how easy it is! I just mix everything in a big bowl and enjoy. Perfect for busy days or when friends come over. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: The star of this salad! Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch are popular choices, but feel free to use any flavor that you like. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips or even homemade tortilla chips for a fresh crunch.
Ground Meat: I usually go for ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey works great too if you want a leaner dish. You can also use plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist!
Black Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, they’re a must! If you’re not a fan, kidney beans or chickpeas can be good substitutes. Just make sure to rinse them well.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a nice burst of freshness. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes will work just fine. Using a mix of colors adds a fun look too!
Shredded Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is crisp, but romaine or spinach would add different textures and flavors. If you want something unique, try adding chopped cabbage!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef (or Turkey) Just Right?
Cooking the meat properly is crucial for your taco salad’s flavor. Here are some tips to ensure it’s perfectly browned and seasoned:
- Start with medium heat. This allows the meat to brown slowly, locking in the juices.
- Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning and helps it absorb the seasoning well.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If the skillet is too full, the meat will steam instead of brown.
- Once browned, drain excess fat. This keeps your salad from becoming too greasy.
- Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water recommended on the packet. Simmer until the mixture thickens, concentrating the flavors.
Following these steps will enhance your taco salad, making it flavorful and satisfying every time!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Doritos Taco Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and roughly 20 minutes to cook the meat. It’s a quick and fun dish to toss together, making it perfect for a lively dinner or a party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s browned, about 7-10 minutes. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it. Now, stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. You’ll usually need to add some water and let it simmer for a few minutes until it’s thickened nicely. Set this aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Gently mix these together. Then, toss in half of the Doritos—this adds a crunchy texture to the salad!
3. Add Toppings:
Now, for the fun part! Top your salad with the rest of the Doritos, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and black olives if you’re using them. Finally, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for that extra flavor boost.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and lime juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This creamy dressing will bring everything together beautifully!
5. Combine Just Before Serving:
Right before you’re ready to serve your salad, drizzle the sour cream mixture over the top of the salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure it’s well mixed, but be careful to keep those Doritos nice and crunchy!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your delightful Doritos Taco Salad and enjoy! It’s colorful, crunchy, and oh-so-yummy! Perfect for gatherings or a cheerful family dinner!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well in this salad. Simply substitute the beef with the same amount of ground turkey and follow the same cooking instructions. You might want to add a little extra seasoning, as turkey can be milder in flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of the Doritos Taco Salad, simply replace the ground beef or turkey with a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans. You can also add some diced bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare some components in advance! Cook the meat and prepare the dressing ahead of time, keeping them stored separately. Combine everything, including the Doritos, just before serving to maintain the crunch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the Doritos separate from the other salad ingredients to prevent them from getting soggy. Just toss them in before serving!
