This fun and crunchy Doritos Taco Salad is a party on a plate! It features colorful layers of lettuce, beans, cheese, and those irresistible Doritos for a tasty twist.
Every bite is a mix of crunch and flavor, and it’s so simple to whip up. I love serving it at gatherings—it always gets smiles and second helpings! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: Nacho cheese Doritos add a fun crunch and great flavor. If you’re looking for healthier options, you can use baked tortilla chips or even homemade tortilla strips for a lighter twist.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey is a great swap for a leaner meal. If you prefer to go meatless, seasoned lentils or black beans work well too!
Taco Seasoning: If you’re out of taco seasoning, mix cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder to create your own blend. I find this way more flavorful!
Black Beans: For a change, you can use kidney beans or pinto beans. Both are tasty and add protein.
Cheese: While I enjoy cheddar, feel free to try feta or even a dairy-free cheese if you want to switch things up or need a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Ground Beef or Turkey?
Browning the meat correctly is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and break it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the fat for a leaner dish.
- Add the taco seasoning with water as per packet instructions, and let it simmer to combine flavors. This thickens the mixture nicely.
Don’t rush the browning! It helps develop that rich, meaty flavor you want in a taco salad.
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag (10-11 oz) nacho cheese Doritos
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salsa or your choice of dressing (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time browning the meat and mixing the ingredients, then just a few minutes assembling everything. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a fun dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s nice and brown, drain any extra fat from the skillet.
2. Add Taco Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning into the skillet with the meat. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet regarding the amount of water to add. Stir everything together and let it cook according to the package instructions until it thickens up nicely.
3. Prepare the Salad Mixture:
While the meat is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped romaine lettuce, drained black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Give it a good mix to combine all the ingredients.
4. Combine Meat with Salad:
Once the meat mixture has cooled for a few minutes, add it to the bowl with the salad mixture. Gently stir everything together so that it’s all mixed, but be careful not to squish the ingredients!
5. Add the Doritos:
Next, take your bag of Doritos and lightly crush them—don’t make them too small! Just enough so they have some smaller pieces, then add them to the salad mixture. Mix them in just before serving to keep them crunchy and delicious.
6. Finish with Toppings:
For the final touch, scoop dollops of sour cream on top. Add sliced olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro for some extra flavor. If you’d like, serve with salsa or your favorite dressing on the side.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your Doritos Taco Salad is ready to serve! Dish it up and enjoy a fun, tasty meal. Perfect for sharing or just for yourself!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Ground Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with shredded or diced cooked chicken for a lighter option. Just season the chicken similarly with taco seasoning for that delicious flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a healthier choice, Greek yogurt works great as a sour cream substitute! It gives a similar tanginess and creaminess. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt if you have dietary restrictions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To preserve the crunch of the Doritos, keep the crushed chips separate and add them just before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, it’s easy to make this taco salad vegetarian! Simply omit the meat and add extra black beans or corn. You can also include other veggies like bell peppers or avocado for added texture and flavor.
