This Doritos Taco Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic taco salad, combining seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and crunchy Doritos for the ultimate Tex-Mex dish. It’s the perfect meal for potlucks, parties, or even a simple weeknight dinner. The crunch of the Doritos paired with the savory taco meat creates a satisfying and fun dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Doritos Taco Salad because it brings together all my favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one bowl! The seasoned ground beef gives it that classic taco filling taste, while the fresh veggies and cheese add a nice balance. But what really makes it stand out is the addition of Doritos. Their crunch and flavor elevate the dish to something unforgettable. Plus, it’s quick to make, requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 cup Catalina or ranch dressing
2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed slightly
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens, then remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, red onion, and black olives (if using).
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine.
Add the slightly cooled taco meat to the salad and toss again.
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad and gently mix them in.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will still be delicious!
Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the meat altogether and substitute it with seasoned tofu or extra black beans.
Dressing Options: While I love the tanginess of Catalina or ranch dressing, you can also try using a creamy cilantro-lime dressing or a spicy salsa dressing for a different twist.
Add Avocado: For an extra creamy element, I like to add slices of avocado on top of the salad just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
This Doritos Taco Salad is best served immediately for the best crunch, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Storing: If you need to store leftovers, keep the salad ingredients (without the Doritos) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the Doritos and dressing just before serving to keep the chips crunchy.
Reheating: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the taco meat can be reheated in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the salad.
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FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco meat, chop the veggies, and make the dressing in advance. Keep everything refrigerated separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad. Add the Doritos right before serving to preserve their crunch.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can work as great alternatives to ground beef in this salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on the Doritos and taco seasoning, as some brands may contain gluten. Look for gluten-free versions of these ingredients if needed.
Can I make this salad spicier?
For a spicier version, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy taco seasoning mix to the ground beef. You could also sprinkle some chili flakes over the salad for an extra kick!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican touch.
Conclusion
This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic taco salad. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Doritos creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s bound to be a hit. Enjoy the bold, Tex-Mex goodness in every bite.
📖 Recipe:
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Doritos Taco Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic taco salad. Combining seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, shredded cheese, and the irresistible crunch of Doritos, this Tex-Mex dish is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with bold flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 cup Catalina or ranch dressing
2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed slightly
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens, then remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
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In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, red onion, and black olives (if using).
-
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine.
-
Add the slightly cooled taco meat to the salad and toss again.
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Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad and gently mix them in.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Variations:
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef for a leaner option.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use seasoned tofu or extra black beans.
Dressing Options: Try creamy cilantro-lime or spicy salsa dressing for a twist.
Add Avocado: Sliced avocado can be added for a creamy touch.
Storage/Reheating: Best served fresh for the crunchiness of Doritos. Store leftovers (without Doritos) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat the taco meat before adding to the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Tex-Mex
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
