This colorful Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It mixes crunchy Doritos with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing for a burst of flavor.
The best part? It’s super simple to throw together. I love to let everyone build their own salad at the table—it’s like a taco party! 🎉
This salad is not just tasty; it’s a breeze to prepare. Just combine everything together, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy and remember!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or even plant-based versions like lentils can work great! I sometimes use ground chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is super convenient! If you don’t have any on hand, mix your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. I find homemade seasoning gives a fresher taste!
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and crunchy, it’s perfect for salad. You can substitute it with iceberg lettuce for an even crisper bite or use spinach for a different texture.
Black Beans: They add great protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, kidney beans or chickpeas are excellent substitutes. I love adding some corn for sweetness and color!
Doritos: Nacho Cheese is classic! If you need a gluten-free or healthier alternative, try corn tortilla chips or baked chips. I sometimes use spicy nacho chips for an extra kick!
How Can I Make the Perfect Taco Salad Dressing?
The dressing combines simple ingredients for a flavorful kick! Mix mayonnaise, salsa, and lime juice well for a creamy topping. Adjust to your taste; if you want it spicier, add more salsa. I love to prepare it in advance to let the flavors blend!
- Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Taste and adjust with more lime juice or salsa for desired flavor.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week!
How to Make Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced red onion
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Doritos Taco Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few minutes to assemble the salad. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and completely cooked through. Remember to break it into small crumbles using a spatula as it cooks. This makes sure everything is nice and even!
2. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add a little water, following the instructions on the seasoning packet. Let it simmer a bit until the sauce thickens and the beef is well coated in flavor. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a big bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, sliced olives, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and any optional ingredients like corn or diced onion you like. This mix is vibrant and fresh!
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, salsa, and lime juice until everything is combined nicely. This dressing adds the perfect creamy kick to the salad!
5. Toss the Salad:
Now, gently toss the lettuce mixture with half of the dressing. This helps to coat everything evenly without squishing the lettuce! Then add the seasoned ground beef and gently mix again.
6. Top it Off:
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that delicious crunch! Add dollops of sour cream on top and garnish with extra cilantro and green onions if you want.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s best to serve your Doritos Taco Salad immediately to keep that delightful crunch. Dig in and enjoy this colorful, tasty dish!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful Easy Doritos Taco Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives that can reduce the fat content while still providing plenty of flavor. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and season well with the taco seasoning.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with additional black beans or lentils for protein. You could also add grilled vegetables or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a hearty touch.
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef, chop the veggies, and mix the dressing ahead of time. Just keep the Doritos and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that crispy texture. The salad can be assembled a few hours before serving without problem!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the Doritos may lose their crunch, so it’s best to add those fresh when you’re ready to eat.
