Doritos Taco Salad is a lively and flavorful dish that blends the crunch of Doritos with the freshness of a classic taco salad.
Born from the creative minds of home cooks, this recipe has become a favorite due to its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal.
As we explore this one-of-a-kind salad, we’ll uncover its key ingredients, its adaptability for various tastes, and the fun it brings to gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Doritos Taco Salad
Making a Doritos Taco Salad is easy and involves a few essential components that come together for a quick, satisfying meal:
Ground Beef: This provides a flavorful base, often seasoned with taco spices to deliver that authentic taco taste. Alternatives like ground turkey or plant-based options can also be used, catering to various dietary preferences while still keeping the flavor intact.
Doritos: The star ingredient, typically Nacho Cheese Doritos, adds a crunchy, cheesy element that stands out in the dish.
Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is the go-to for its crisp texture, offering a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend brings a creamy and slightly melty texture, especially when paired with the warm meat.
Tomatoes, Onions, and Black Olives: These add color, crunch, and a burst of freshness to balance the dish.
Dressing: While Catalina dressing is a popular choice, ranch or a zesty homemade salsa can provide a delightful twist.
How to Assemble Doritos Taco Salad
Begin by cooking your protein until browned and seasoned with taco spices. While the meat cools slightly, prepare your vegetables—chop the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and slice the onions. Follow these steps to build the perfect Doritos Taco Salad:
Layer the Lettuce: Place a bed of crisp lettuce at the base of your serving bowl.
Add the Meat: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the lettuce.
Add Veggies and Cheese: Top with diced tomatoes, onions, black olives, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Add Doritos: Just before serving, mix in the Doritos to ensure they stay crunchy.
Drizzle Dressing: Pour your chosen dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
Customizing Your Doritos Taco Salad
The charm of this salad lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ways to customize it:
Protein Options: Try swapping in different types of meat or opt for a vegetarian alternative, as suggested by Epicurious. For a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly.
Dressing Ideas: While Catalina is the classic choice, you can switch things up by using ranch or adding a kick with spicy salsa.
Serious Eats has more dressing inspiration to explore. Extras: Incorporate beans, corn, or even avocado slices for added texture and flavor.
Print
Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 small finely chopped red onion
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) Doritos, any flavor (Nacho Cheese is a favorite)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, jalapeños, cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and the water recommended on the packet. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and drained black beans.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the beef has cooled, add it to the salad mixture along with the shredded cheddar. Crush the Doritos into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top.
- Add the Dressings: Right before serving, drizzle salsa and sour cream over the salad. Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
- Serve Fresh: Garnish with olives, jalapeños, or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately to keep the Doritos crunchy!
