This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It combines crunchy Doritos with seasoned meat, cheese, and fresh veggies. All the delicious flavors come together in one bowl!
Making this salad is a breeze! Just mix everything up, and you have a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. I like to serve it at parties because it’s so colorful and fun! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: The star ingredient! I prefer Nacho Cheese Doritos for that classic flavor, but you can switch to Cool Ranch for a different taste. You can even try tortilla chips for a less salty option.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well, but turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier option. You can also use plant-based meat for a delicious vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is quick and easy, but homemade is even better. Just mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if you want to control the spice level.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but any crisp lettuce like iceberg or green leaf works too. For a twist, try using spinach for added nutrients!
How Do I Make Sure the Taco Salad Stays Crunchy?
To keep your salad crunchy, add the Doritos just before serving. They can get soggy if they’re mixed in too early. It’s all about timing!
- Prepare all ingredients and mix everything except the Doritos before serving.
- Simply add the crushed Doritos on top right before you serve the salad.
- For an extra crunch, consider serving the salad in individual bowls and let everyone add their Doritos, so they stay crispy for longer.
Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag (about 9-10 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for topping
- Optional: salsa or taco sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the beef and chopping veggies, and then just a few more minutes to toss everything together in a big salad bowl. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, stirring it up until it’s fully cooked and crumbly; this should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease when you’re done.
2. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and pour in the 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and sliced black olives. This colorful mix is what makes your salad fresh and inviting!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, carefully add the seasoned ground beef to the salad bowl and gently toss everything together until it’s well mixed.
5. Add Crunch and Flavor:
Finally, throw in the crushed Doritos, shredded cheese, green onions, and cilantro. Give it another light toss to combine all those crispy textures and tasty flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad in individual bowls and add a dollop of sour cream on top. Drizzle with your choice of salsa or taco sauce if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy Easy Doritos Taco Salad with friends or family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner alternative and works great with the taco seasoning. Just cook it in the same way until fully browned and crumbly.
How to Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Simply replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mashed black beans for extra fiber. You can also add grilled vegetables for added flavor and texture.
How Long Does Leftover Taco Salad Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the Doritos separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their crunch!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the salad ingredients (except the Doritos) and meat ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. Mix everything together right before serving for the freshest taste!
