This fun Doritos Taco Salad is a tasty mix of crunchy chips, seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s colorful and full of flavor—perfect for a quick meal!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but smile at how fun it is to eat. Plus, who doesn’t love a little crunch on their salad? Great for parties or a cozy dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: I love using Nacho Cheese, but Cool Ranch works just as well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, tortilla chips can be a great substitution. Just add a little taco seasoning to them for extra flavor!
Ground Beef: While ground beef is delicious, you can swap in ground turkey for a leaner option. Ground chicken is also a great pick, and for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought packets are convenient, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This gives you control over the flavors and spices!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber, but if you don’t have them, any canned bean works – like kidney beans or pinto beans. Just make sure to rinse them well.
How Do I Ensure the Ground Meat is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef or turkey correctly is key for flavor. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meat and use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s all browned and there are no pink spots left.
- For beef, let it cook for about 6-8 minutes until it turns a nice brown color.
- Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy salad.
- Adding taco seasoning followed by the correct amount of water is crucial. It makes the meat flavorful and gives it a nice texture.
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag (10-12 oz) Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Doritos Taco Salad recipe will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and then about 15-20 minutes for cooking the beef and assembling everything together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet, heat your stove to medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it’s browned, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat to make it a little leaner.
2. Season the Meat:
Next, take your taco seasoning and sprinkle it over the browned meat. Add the recommended amount of water (check your seasoning packet; it’s usually around 2/3 cup). Stir everything together so the meat is well-coated. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens up nicely.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, and sliced black olives. This colorful base is where all the flavors will mix together!
4. Combine the Meats and Salad:
Once your taco meat is ready, add it to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Toss everything together gently, making sure the meat mixes evenly with the veggies. This is the heart of your salad!
5. Add the Doritos:
Take the bag of Doritos and crush them gently into large pieces. You can do this right in the bag or on a cutting board. Fold these crunchy pieces into the salad carefully so they stay nice and crispy.
6. Top It Off:
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and cilantro on top of your salad. Then add dollops of sour cream and salsa if you like a bit more flavor. This will make your salad look even more tempting!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Doritos Taco Salad is now ready to serve! Make sure to go in with a big spoon and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness right away. It’s a fun and satisfying meal perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it until it’s fully browned and drain any excess fat for the best flavor and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own taco seasoning blend using common spices. Combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste as you mix it into the cooked meat!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
If you’re preparing ahead, cook the beef and allow it to cool before storing it separately from the salad ingredients. Keep the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and beans mixed in the fridge for no more than a day, and add the Doritos and toppings just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the Doritos may become soggy over time, so consider adding them fresh when you’re ready to eat leftover salad.
