This Doritos Taco Salad is a fun twist on a classic dish that everyone will love! It’s packed with crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing.
You can’t go wrong with that satisfying crunch from the chips. It’s perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal! I love throwing everything in a big bowl and letting the kids dig in. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I typically use ground beef for its rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey is a great substitute. Just remember, turkey can be a little drier, so watch your cooking time.
Taco Seasoning: Using a packet of taco seasoning is super convenient, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if you prefer. It’s fun to customize the spice level!
Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber. Canned beans are perfectly fine, but if you have dried beans, soak and cook them beforehand for an even tastier option.
Doritos: The original flavor is a winner, but feel free to try zesty cheese or spicy nacho for a kick! If you’re avoiding chips, crushed tortilla chips or even crispy chickpeas could work.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess, but you could substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option. It gives you a similar tang while packing more protein!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef might seem simple, but there are some tricks to enhance its flavor. Start by browning the meat evenly. Don’t rush this step—let each side get good color for better taste.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Let it sit without stirring for a couple of minutes to get that nice browning.
- Once browned, drain excess fat, then return to the heat and mix in your taco seasoning.
- Follow package instructions—usually adding some water and simmering for flavor absorption.
The result is a flavorful beef that elevates your salad! Enjoy!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Doritos, crushed (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Doritos Taco Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend some time cooking the beef and then mixing everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Stir it around until it’s nicely browned. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan so it’s not greasy.
2. Add Taco Flavor:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Follow the package directions—this usually means adding a little water and letting it simmer for a few minutes. This will infuse your meat with all those delicious taco flavors. Once done, set the skillet aside to cool slightly.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large serving bowl, mix together the shredded lettuce, black beans, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add half of the crushed Doritos to this mix for some added crunch. Give it a good toss so everything is evenly mixed.
4. Layer the Beef Mixture:
Now, add the cooked ground beef mixture right on top of your salad. Make sure to spread it out evenly so everyone gets a nice bite of the beef.
5. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro over the beef layer. These toppings will add great color and flavor to your salad!
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with lime juice. Add some salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully. Stir well until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle your sour cream mixture over the salad. Gently toss everything together to combine all those yummy ingredients without crushing the Doritos too much.
8. Add the Final Crunch:
Before you serve, sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos on top for an extra crunchy finish. This will keep them crispy and fun!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Now your Doritos Taco Salad is ready! Serve it immediately and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The flavor will be slightly different, but you can adjust the seasoning if needed.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
If you’d like to make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with additional black beans or another meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu. You might also want to add some diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can ensure freshness by prepping the ingredients ahead of time but keep the salad undressed until you’re ready to serve. Store the beef mixture, beans, veggies, and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and add the Doritos just before serving to maintain their crunch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos separate to prevent them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, you can toss everything together again or enjoy the components separately!
