This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and easy meal! It mixes crunchy Doritos with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing, creating a yummy colorful dish.
I love serving this salad at parties—it’s a hit every time! Plus, it’s so simple to whip up that I often keep the ingredients on hand for a quick weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: The star of this salad! You can use Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch, or even try other flavored chips like Spicy Nacho for a kick. If you’re avoiding processed snacks, tortilla chips work too. Just add some taco seasoning for flavor.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I typically use ground turkey for a lighter option. However, ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles can be great substitutes for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to season well!
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet on hand, a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder will do nicely. I often make my own for a fresher taste!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you’re looking for a different flavor or texture, you might try kidney beans or chickpeas as alternatives.
Cilantro: This herb brightens up the dish beautifully. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley makes a good substitute, or you can simply leave it out completely.
How Can I Perfectly Cook Ground Meat for My Taco Salad?
Cooking ground meat well is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s a simple way to get it just right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add your ground meat.
- Break up the meat with a spatula while it cooks, ensuring even browning.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy salad.
- Mix in taco seasoning and follow the package’s instructions. Usually, this involves adding a bit of water and letting it simmer until thickened.
This way, your meat will have great flavor and won’t overpower the salad. Always taste it before mixing, so you can adjust seasoning if needed! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Salad Base:
- 1 bag of Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salsa (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Doritos Taco Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serve. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the meat and assembling everything else, making it a quick and fun meal for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat so it doesn’t make your salad greasy.
2. Season the Meat:
Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the packet, which usually involves adding a bit of water. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens. This gives your salad great flavor!
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, drained black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and your seasoned meat mixture. This mix is going to be the heart of your salad!
4. Add the Crunch:
Now, take the bag of Doritos and crush them slightly—just enough to break them into smaller pieces. Gently fold the crushed Doritos into the salad mix. This adds a delicious crunch!
5. Mix in the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salad and give everything a good mix, so the cheese gets distributed evenly throughout.
6. Add the Toppings:
Top the salad with dollops of sour cream. Then, garnish it with sliced green onions, black olives (if you like them), and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Doritos Taco Salad is ready to be served! If you like, offer some salsa on the side for extra flavor. Dig in and enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Plant-Based Meat Instead?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great lean substitute for beef or turkey. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, a meat substitute like lentils or a store-bought plant-based ground meat works well too. Just follow the same cooking instructions!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos separate to maintain their crunch. Assemble the salad freshly when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Use Other Types of Beans?
Yes! If black beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to drain and rinse them as well!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance! Cook the meat and chop the veggies, but wait to combine everything and add the Doritos until just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
