This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and crunchy dish that everyone will love! It mixes tasty ingredients like seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and of course, crunchy Doritos for that extra zing.
I enjoy making this salad for gatherings because it’s super quick and satisfying! Plus, who can resist those colorful Doritos that give it a delicious twist? Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this recipe. However, you could substitute with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: A taco seasoning packet makes it easy, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if you prefer controlling the ingredients.
Romaine Lettuce: Chopped Romaine provides a great crunch, but you can use iceberg lettuce or a mix of greens like spinach or kale for different textures and flavors.
Doritos: While Nacho Cheese flavor is classic, feel free to use Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or any other flavor you enjoy! You can even skip them for a gluten-free option, and simply use tortilla chips.
Sour Cream: For a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt as a substitute. It’s creamy and adds a nice tang!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch with Doritos?
The Doritos are what make this salad fun and crunchy! To keep them from getting soggy, add them right before serving. This way, they’ll maintain their crunch and add a delightful texture to your salad.
- Crush the Doritos slightly, but not too finely, so they stay crunchy.
- Add them on top after you’ve mixed everything else together.
- Give it a gentle toss right before serving to distribute without crushing the chips!
Following these tips ensures that each bite is delicious and has that perfect crunch you want. Happy cooking!
Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos chips, slightly crushed
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Doritos Taco Salad takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the beef, and another 10 minutes chopping veggies and assembling everything. It’s quick, easy, and ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s fully cooked with no pink remaining.
2. Season the Beef:
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, add the taco seasoning mix according to package instructions, adding any required water. Simmer everything for a few minutes until thickened and bursting with flavor. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, green onions, and black olives. Mix them together so they meld nicely.
4. Combine the Beef and Salad:
Add the cooked seasoned ground beef into the bowl with your salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, making sure the beef is well-distributed.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of your salad mixture for that cheesy goodness.
6. Lastly, Add the Doritos:
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos on top so they stay crispy. This adds that delightful crunch that’s so satisfying!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Top your salad with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crunchy flavors of this Easy Doritos Taco Salad!
Easy Doritos Taco Salad FAQ
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just cook them in the same way, ensuring they are fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To easily make this salad vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers or use canned lentils for protein. You’ll still get a hearty and delicious salad without the meat!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Simply store the chopped veggies and cooked beef separately in the fridge. Combine everything, including the Doritos, just before serving to keep the chips crunchy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep the Doritos separate to retain their crunchiness, and add them back in just before enjoying your leftover salad!
