Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional taco salad, infusing the dish with the unmistakable crunch and bold taste of Doritos. This vibrant salad combines fresh greens, seasoned ground meat, and a colorful array of toppings, all tossed with crushed Doritos for an added layer of texture and flavor. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a festive game day treat, Doritos Taco Salad is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re a fan of the classic nacho cheese flavor or prefer to experiment with other varieties, this dish promises a playful and delicious dining experience.
Why You’ll Love Doritos Taco Salad:
- Fun and Flavorful: Elevates the classic taco salad with the unique taste and crunch of Doritos.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences and taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute meals or gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit among both adults and children, perfect for any casual occasion.
Ingredients Notes For Doritos Taco Salad:
- Ground Meat: Beef is traditional, but turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives.
- Taco Seasoning: Use a store-bought packet or make your own blend for customizing the spice level.
- Salad Greens: A mix of iceberg lettuce and romaine provides a crisp, refreshing base.
- Doritos: Choose your favorite flavor to add a distinctive taste and crunch to the salad.
- Beans: Black or kidney beans add protein and fiber, making the salad more filling.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend complements the taco flavors.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers add color, texture, and nutrition.
- Dressing: Ranch or Catalina dressing are popular choices that add moisture and tanginess.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Meat: Brown the ground meat in a skillet, draining any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water according to the seasoning packet’s instructions. Let cool.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, beans, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Add Doritos and Dressing: Just before serving, add crushed Doritos and your choice of dressing to the salad. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with additional cheese, a sprinkle of crushed Doritos, and any other desired toppings like sour cream, avocado, or sliced olives.
Storage Options:
- Before Serving: Keep the salad components separate until right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Leftovers: Best enjoyed fresh, as the Doritos will soften once mixed with the dressing and salad.
Quick and Delicious Doritos Taco Salad Recipe At Home
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, lightly crushed
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer, and cook until the water has evaporated and the beef is well-coated with seasoning. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, diced tomato, and red onion (if using).
- Add the Beef:
- Once the seasoned beef has cooled to at least room temperature, add it to the salad bowl.
- Dressing the Salad:
- In a small bowl, mix together the salsa and sour cream. This will be your salad dressing. You can adjust the proportions based on your preference for creaminess and spiciness.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad bowl. Pour the salsa-sour cream dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well mixed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
