This fun Doritos Taco Salad mixes crunchy Doritos with seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, and tasty toppings. It’s a colorful and yummy dish that’s sure to make everyone smile!
Honestly, how can you resist crunchy chips in a salad? I love making it for parties—everyone just digs in! Plus, it’s easy to whip up and super satisfying. 🌮🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is flavorful and perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for lighter options, you could use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with taco spices.
Taco Seasoning: While a pre-packaged mix is handy, homemade taco seasoning is easy to make! Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a fresh flavor. This gives you more control over spice levels!
Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg adds a nice crunch. If you want more nutrition, you can substitute with romaine, spinach, or mixed salad greens. Each will give a different texture so choose what you like best.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat. Vegan cheese is also a tasty option if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Doritos: The crunch is key! If you want a healthier option, use a baked tortilla chip or even homemade tortilla strips. You could also try flavored chips like chili-lime for a twist.
How Can You Get the Perfect Mix of Ingredients?
Mixing all the ingredients together properly can be crucial for a delicious salad. Start by letting your ground beef cool slightly before combining it with the vegetables. This avoids wilting the lettuce. Here’s how to mix effectively:
- Use a large bowl to give yourself room to stir without spilling.
- Add the cooler ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or beans first, then layer in the beef.
- Gently fold in the crushed Doritos last, so they stay crunchy!
- Top off with the sour cream, green onions, and cilantro for a beautiful presentation!
By mixing thoughtfully, you’ll keep the crunch intact while blending flavors beautifully.
Delicious Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch), crushed
For Toppings:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Salsa (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This taco salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the beef and mixing everything together, plus a few extra minutes for chopping and assembling your ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat. Then, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and follow the package instructions—often just adding some water and letting it simmer for a few minutes. Once it’s ready, set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese. This mix creates a colorful and crunchy salad that’s bursting with flavor!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Once the beef has cooled, add it to the bowl with your salad base. Gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Now, it’s time for the fun part—gently fold in the crushed Doritos! Be careful not to crush them too much so you can still enjoy that crunchy texture.
4. Add the Toppings:
Top your salad with dollops of sour cream, sprinkle on the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and the sliced black olives if you’re using them. Everything is looking delicious already!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the taco salad immediately with salsa on the side, or you can refrigerate it for later. If you choose to store it, just remember to mix in the Doritos right before serving to keep them crispy. Enjoy your tasty and satisfying Doritos Taco Salad!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions and season it well with taco seasoning to ensure maximum flavor. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly, as poultry can cook faster.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with cooked quinoa, lentils, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with taco spices. This will provide a hearty texture without the meat!
What Should I Store Leftovers In?
Store leftover taco salad in an airtight container. Keep the components separate (especially the Doritos, to maintain their crunch) if possible. The salad can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just mix in the Doritos right before serving!
Can I Use Different Types of Chips?
Yes! While Doritos add a great crunch and flavor, you can also use any tortilla chips, or even baked chips for a lighter version. Just make sure to crush them just before serving to preserve their crispiness!
