This fun taco salad is super easy to make and really tasty! It includes crunchy Doritos, seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing—what could be better?
Whenever I make this salad, I can’t resist munching on the Doritos straight from the bag! It’s such a tasty mix, and it’s great for parties or a quick meal at home. 🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for the salad. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Plant-based crumbles are also a great choice for a meat-free version.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It gives the beef a fantastic flavor!
Doritos: Nacho Cheese is classic, but any flavor of Doritos works well. Try Cool Ranch for a twist, or even tortilla chips if Doritos aren’t available.
Lettuce: Romaine is crunchy and holds the dressing well. You can replace it with mixed greens or iceberg lettuce if you prefer something different.
How Do You Keep the Doritos Crunchy in Your Salad?
To keep those Doritos crunchy, it’s best to add them right before serving. You can layer them on top instead of mixing them in. This way, they stay crispy and give you that delightful crunch on each bite.
- Once you’re ready to serve, gently toss the salad.
- Top with Doritos and your sour cream, then serve immediately.
- If making in advance, store ingredients separately in the fridge and mix them right before enjoying.
Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: salsa or taco sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a quick meal or gathering. The prep time includes browning the meat and chopping the veggies, making it a convenient and tasty option any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Seasoning:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, add the taco seasoning along with about 1/4 cup of water. Stir it well and let it simmer for around 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. After that, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
Take a large salad bowl and add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, sliced black olives, corn kernels, and chopped green onions. Give it a good mix to combine everything.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, layer the seasoned ground beef right on top of the salad mixture. This helps keep the warm beef from wilting the fresh veggies below!
5. Finish with Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Doritos evenly over the top. Then, dollop the sour cream right in the center of the salad and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of flavor.
6. Optional Finale:
If you like a bit of extra zing, feel free to drizzle salsa or taco sauce over everything. It adds an amazing touch to the flavors!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Just before serving, toss the salad gently to combine everything. If you prefer to keep the Doritos crunchy, you can also serve it layered. Enjoy your easy and delicious Doritos Taco Salad!
This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends, combining all those fabulous taco flavors with that irresistible crunch—you won’t be able to get enough! 🌮🥗 Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. Just cook them the same way and add the taco seasoning as directed. You may need to adjust cooking time since they can cook faster than beef.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. Add more beans like kidney or pinto beans for extra protein, and feel free to increase the amount of veggies for added flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead! Cook the beef and chop the veggies, then store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything just before serving to keep the Doritos crunchy and the salad fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the Doritos from getting soggy, consider keeping them separate and adding them just before eating!
