This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and tasty dish that everyone loves! It features crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and delicious dressing, all mixed together for a burst of flavor.
This salad is perfect for a quick meal or a party snack. Personally, I enjoy adding extra cheese on top, because who can resist that gooey goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos (Taco Flavor): The star of this salad! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap them for baked tortilla chips or pita chips for that same crunch.
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or lentils!
Taco Seasoning: Pre-packaged seasoning is convenient, but you can also create your own mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer homemade flavors.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you’re short on time, canned varieties are perfect. Pinto beans or chickpeas can be a nice alternative as well.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring freshness. If they’re out of season, diced regular tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes will work too.
How Do You Ensure Your Ground Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef well ensures great flavor and texture for your salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Check for any excess fat once it’s browned. Drain if necessary, especially if you’re using fatty beef.
- Cook until all the meat is browned and no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes.
These steps will not only make your meat taste great but also mix well with the salad!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag of Doritos (taco flavor)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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 sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup corn (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Doritos Taco Salad will take about 20 minutes of your time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the meat and another 10 minutes prepping the fresh veggies and assembling everything. A quick and tasty meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned all the way through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any extra fat to keep it nice and light!
2. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the packet; you may need to add a little water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. It should smell amazing!
3. Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, and corn (if you’re using it). Add the cooked taco meat and give it a gentle mix to combine everything nicely.
4. Add the Crunchy Doritos:
Gently fold in the Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to crush the Doritos too much; we want that lovely crunch in every bite!
5. Top It Off:
Now for the fun part! Top your salad with dollops of sour cream, slices of black olives, and sprinkle the chopped cilantro and green onions on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste. Serve your salad immediately and enjoy the wonderful mix of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just cook it in the same way as the beef, making sure it’s thoroughly browned and fully cooked before adding the taco seasoning. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, as turkey can be milder.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with an additional can of black beans or cooked lentils for protein. You can also add diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the Doritos separate until you’re ready to eat again to maintain their crunch. When ready to eat, just toss everything together again!
Can I Add Other Veggies to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite salad ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers, or corn. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
