This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It’s crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavors from seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and, of course, Doritos. Yum!
I love how quick it is to throw together. Just mix everything and enjoy! It’s perfect for parties or a quick dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love a little crunch? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds flavor and is easy to cook. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, use lentils or a meat substitute for a similar texture.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is super convenient, but you can make your own with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s also a fun way to customize the spice level to your liking!
Doritos: Nacho Cheese Doritos add a crunchy and cheesy element. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use baked tortilla chips or even a homemade tortilla strip. For a gluten-free version, check if your chips are labeled gluten-free.
Black Beans and Corn: These add fiber and texture. Canned versions are quick and easy, but you could use cooked dried beans or fresh corn off the cob as well. If you’re not a fan of black beans, kidney beans work too!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can be simple, but here are some tips to ensure it turns out great:
- Use a non-stick skillet and preheat it over medium heat before adding the beef.
- Break the beef into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks; this helps it brown evenly.
- Once it’s browned, drain the excess fat for a healthier dish. You want the meat to have a slight caramelization for the best flavor.
- Mix in the taco seasoning once the beef is fully cooked, then add water to help the spices distribute well!
These steps will help you achieve the tasty, seasoned beef that makes this salad shine! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
Fresh Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
For Topping:
- 1 bag (10-11 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- Sour cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Doritos Taco Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 8 minutes cooking the beef, 5 minutes assembling the salad, and a few extra minutes for any last-minute touches. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season the Meat:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked meat. Pour in the 1/4 cup of water, stirring it all together. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens up and is well combined. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced black olives, shredded cheese, diced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together so it gets well mixed.
4. Mix in the Taco Meat:
Add the cooked taco meat to the salad mixture. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
5. Add the Crunch:
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos on top of the salad and give it a light toss to incorporate them without crushing them too much.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the salad into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream. If you like, sprinkle some extra cilantro or green onions on top for garnish. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy Easy Doritos Taco Salad!
This dish is super fun and perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this salad. Just follow the same cooking instructions for the best results.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like soy crumbles. You can also add more veggies for added flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat and chop the veggies ahead of time. Just keep the Doritos separate until you’re ready to serve to keep them crispy. It’s best enjoyed the day it’s made, but you can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days without the chips.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the Doritos will lose their crunch, so add them fresh when you serve. Reheat the meat separately if desired.
