This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and tasty dish that combines all your favorite taco flavors in an easy-to-eat bowl. With crunchy Doritos, seasoned ground beef, and fresh veggies, it’s a winner!
Honestly, who can resist the crunch of Doritos mixed with all that deliciousness? Perfect for parties or a quick dinner! I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Standard ground beef gives great flavor. You could swap it for ground turkey for a leaner option, or even use plant-based meat if you’re looking to keep it meatless!
Taco Seasoning: The packet is convenient, but you can make your own with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This way, you can adjust the heat to your liking!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber, but feel free to use pinto beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand. They all work well in salads.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a great taste. If you prefer, you can use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or vegan cheese for a dairy-free salad.
Doritos: While taco flavor adds a kick, nacho cheese or even a plain tortilla chip can also be used for that satisfying crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef for This Salad?
Cooking ground beef can be straightforward, but here are some key steps to ensure it’s perfectly browned and flavorful:
- Start with a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef without overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Cook until it turns brown, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy salad.
- Mix the taco seasoning after draining, which allows for better flavor distribution as the seasoning clings to the beef.
Experimenting with cooking times and temperatures can help you find your ideal method!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Doritos (taco flavor or nacho cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Olives (optional), sliced for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Doritos Taco Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner, with no baking required—just a bit of cooking on the stovetop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until the meat is browned throughout, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish lean.
2. Season the Meat:
Stir in the taco seasoning with the meat and cook according to the instructions on the packet, usually for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly. Once mixed, remove the skillet from the heat and let the beef cool down a little while you prepare the salad.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and corn. Toss everything together gently so that the ingredients are well mixed and ready for the delicious beef.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to layer! Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the top of the salad. This will create a hearty topping for your fresh veggies.
5. Add Crunch and Creaminess:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crunchy Doritos evenly over the salad. Their crunch will give a nice texture contrast to the soft ingredients.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and sliced green onions. This creamy mixture will make a tasty topping, so dollop it generously over the salad.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish the salad by garnishing with fresh cilantro and, if you like, some sliced olives for an extra flavor punch. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crunch!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative to beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning steps. You might find it cooks a bit quicker, so keep an eye on it to avoid dryness!
What If I Don’t Have Black Beans?
No problem! You can substitute black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans for a similar texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a different twist, try adding in chickpeas instead!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the Doritos crunchy, consider adding them right before serving instead of mixing them into the salad initially!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Pre-cook the beef and prep the salad ingredients—just store them separately. Assemble the salad right before serving to maintain its freshness and crunch. You can also prepare the sour cream mixture in advance!
