This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and crunchy dish with all your favorite taco flavors! It mixes seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and crispy Doritos for extra munch.
You can’t go wrong with chips on top—it’s like a party in a bowl! I love making this when friends come over; everyone gets to dig in their way! 🎉
No need for fancy cooking—just toss everything together and serve! It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for busy days or weekend fun. Enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (or Turkey): Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but lean ground turkey is a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) instead.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought seasoning for convenience. If you like, mke your own with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Homemade blends let you adjust spices to your taste!
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but feel free to mix it up with iceberg lettuce, spinach, or kale for different textures and flavors. I personally enjoy the freshness of spinach!
Doritos: The Nacho Cheese Doritos are classic here, but you can try other flavors like Cool Ranch or even tortilla chips for a different twist. Just remember, the crunch is key!
How Do I Ensure My Ground Meat is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground meat thoroughly is essential for safety and flavor. Here are simple steps to get it right:
- Heat the skillet to medium. Add olive oil for extra moisture if desired.
- Once hot, add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned.
- Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for ground beef, or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
Don’t rush this step; browning adds lots of flavor! If you see any excess grease, draining it helps keep your salad light and enjoyable.
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor), crushed
For the Garnish:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Doritos Taco Salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10-15 minutes to cook the meat. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and then the ground beef (or turkey). Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Season the Meat:
Once the meat is cooked, add the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions. Usually, you’ll need to add some water as well. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. This will make the flavors really pop!
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced red onion, and the shredded cheese. Mix it well to combine everything.
4. Combine Meat and Salad:
Add the cooked meat mixture over the salad and gently toss everything together, so the meat gets evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Just before you serve, sprinkle the crushed Doritos on top for that delicious crunch and drizzle with sour cream to add creaminess.
6. Finish with Garnish:
Top off your salad with sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and green onions for that fresh flavor boost. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant and tasty Doritos Taco Salad! It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions, but be mindful that turkey may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time! Cook the meat and store it separately in the fridge. Chop the veggies and mix them in a bowl, but wait to add the Doritos and dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything crunchy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos separate to maintain their crunch. When you’re ready to eat, simply recombine all the ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Doritos?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or a different flavor, try using baked tortilla chips, crushed taco-flavored corn chips, or even a crunchy alternative like roasted chickpeas. Just make sure they’re broken into pieces for the best texture!
