This fun Doritos Taco Salad combines crunchy Doritos, fresh veggies, and tasty taco meat all in one bowl! It’s perfect for a quick meal or a party dish that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: The nacho cheese flavor adds a great crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use baked tortilla chips or even a homemade tortilla chip made from corn tortillas.
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this salad a hearty base. For a leaner alternative, you could swap it out for ground turkey or use a plant-based meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu for vegetarian options.
Taco Seasoning: Pre-packaged taco seasoning makes it easy, but you can create your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This way, you can adjust spices to your taste!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you’re avoiding beans, try using grilled corn or diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture instead.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use pepper jack for an extra kick or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky, but with these simple steps, you’ll have it perfectly browned and flavorful!
- Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding the beef, which helps it to brown evenly.
- Break the meat apart as it cooks with a spatula, to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cook until well-browned but be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough—about 5-7 minutes should do it!
- Don’t forget to drain excess fat after cooking. This makes your salad lighter and fresher.
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag of Doritos (nacho cheese flavor)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: jalapeños for added spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Doritos Taco Salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the beef and preparing the ingredients, and another 15 minutes putting everything together. It’s a quick and fun meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep your salad from getting greasy!
2. Season the Beef:
Add the taco seasoning to the beef along with the recommended amount of water, usually found on the seasoning packet. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up. This will give your beef that delicious taco flavor!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large serving bowl, mix together the shredded lettuce, drained black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and the cooked seasoned beef. This creates a great base for your salad, full of fresh and tasty ingredients.
4. Add the Doritos:
Next, take your bag of Doritos and crush them lightly in their bag or in a bowl. Sprinkle the crushed Doritos on top of your salad mixture to add that perfect crunchy texture!
5. Top the Salad:
Now it’s time to add the finishing touches! Sprinkle the shredded cheese, sliced olives, and chopped green onions over the top of your salad. These toppings will add color and flavor!
6. Add Sour Cream and Garnish:
Top everything off with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. If you like things spicy, feel free to add some jalapeños to the top!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your crunchy and flavorful Doritos Taco Salad is ready to serve! Dig in right away for the best texture and flavor, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just cook it the same way as the beef, making sure it’s browned and cooked through. You may want to add a little extra taco seasoning to enhance the flavor, as turkey can be milder.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep most of the ingredients in advance! Cook the beef and let it cool before refrigerating. Keep the Doritos separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch. Assemble the salad, adding the Doritos and toppings right before serving for freshness!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the Doritos on the side to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat the beef mixture if you prefer it warm when serving.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a substitute, Greek yogurt works wonderfully and adds a nice tang. You can also use guacamole or a dairy-free yogurt for a creamy finish. Just keep in mind the flavors may vary slightly!
