Doritos Taco Salad is a flavorful, fun, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering. This salad combines seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and a crunchy twist—Doritos chips! It’s a great way to elevate a traditional taco salad into something even more exciting, with the bold flavors of Nacho Cheese Doritos adding an irresistible crunch.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Doritos Taco Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! It’s packed with everything you love about tacos, but with an extra layer of fun thanks to Doritos. This salad is a great way to mix things up and make a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. The combination of seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crushed Doritos is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s quick to make and easy to customize based on your favorite taco toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 bag (9.25 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or more to taste)
• 1/4 cup salsa (optional)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, black beans, and corn.
3. Add the Beef: Once the ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl with the vegetables.
4. Add Doritos and Dressing: Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad and drizzle with ranch dressing. Add salsa if desired for extra flavor. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cook Notes & Tips

• Timing: Add the Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy. If they sit in the salad too long, they may become soggy.
• Dressing: Ranch dressing pairs perfectly with this salad, but you can also use Catalina or French dressing for a different flavor.
• Cooling the Beef: Let the beef cool for a few minutes before adding it to the salad to avoid wilting the lettuce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Taco Salad: Skip the ground beef and add extra black beans, pinto beans, or even seasoned tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Chicken Taco Salad: Substitute the ground beef with shredded or diced cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Spicy Salad: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the salad for an extra kick.
• Different Doritos Flavor: Try using Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos for a different twist on the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare all the components of the salad ahead of time. Keep the beef, vegetables, and Doritos separate until just before serving to ensure the Doritos stay crunchy. Toss everything together with the dressing when ready to serve.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the Doritos may lose their crunch after being stored, so it’s best to add fresh Doritos when eating leftovers.

3. Can I Use a Different Type of Lettuce?

Absolutely! You can use romaine, iceberg, or even mixed greens for this salad. Romaine adds a nice crunch, while iceberg is more traditional.

Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and delicious twist on a classic taco salad that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of fresh veggies, seasoned beef, crunchy Doritos, and creamy ranch dressing makes for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a flavorful meal that’s packed with texture and taste!

Happy Cooking!