This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and crunchy dish that combines tasty taco fillings with crispy Doritos. It’s colorful and has a mix of flavors that everyone will love!
I always enjoy making this salad for parties. It’s quick to whip up, and who can resist the crunch of Doritos? They really make this salad a hit! 🌮🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: While taco-flavored Doritos are fantastic, you could use nacho cheese or even another brand of tortilla chips. Just make sure they have some flavor to add to the salad.
Ground Beef or Turkey: If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works well here. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or crumbled tofu instead.
Taco Seasoning: You can make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer to skip the packet or have dietary restrictions.
Beans: Black beans are great, but feel free to use pinto beans or kidney beans if those are what you have on hand. They all add good protein and nutrients.
Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend is delicious, but you could use feta or cotija for a different flavor. Vegan cheese is also a popular substitute!
How Do I Make Sure the Salad Stays Crunchy?
The key to a crunchy salad is to add the Doritos just before serving. This prevents them from getting soggy. Additionally, you can keep the salad components separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunch.
- Prep all your veggies ahead of time and keep them in the fridge.
- Cook the meat and let it cool before mixing it with the veggies.
- Only crush and add the Doritos right before you dig in!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag of Doritos (taco-flavored or your choice)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Doritos Taco Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the meat and prepping the veggies, and then a few more minutes to toss everything together. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey into the skillet, cooking it until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep your salad light and fresh.
2. Season the Meat:
Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Add a splash of water as needed, then stir everything together. Cook according to the package instructions until the meat is evenly coated and heated through, usually just a couple of minutes.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced black olives, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. This mix will give you a colorful and crunchy base for your salad!
4. Combine the Meat with the Salad:
Let the cooked meat cool for a minute or two, then add it to your salad mixture. Gently mix everything together to combine all those yummy flavors!
5. Add the Crunch:
Just before you’re ready to serve, crush the Doritos and sprinkle them generously on top of the salad. This will give your delicious salad a fantastic crunch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Doritos Taco Salad with a dollop of sour cream on the side. Don’t forget to garnish it with fresh cilantro for that extra touch. Enjoy your creation immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Gather your friends and family, because this Doritos Taco Salad is sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will provide a lighter option for the salad. Just follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before adding to the salad.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground meat with a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh, tofu, or even extra black beans. You can also add more veggies such as bell peppers or avocado for additional flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos separate to maintain their crunch, and just add them right before serving. To refresh, add a little extra dressing or sour cream if needed.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt works wonderfully in place of sour cream, providing a similar creaminess with extra protein. You can also use guacamole or a dairy-free sour cream if you’re avoiding dairy altogether!
