This fun Doritos Taco Salad is a crunchy joy! It mixes seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and cheese, all topped with crispy Doritos for that extra crunch we all love.
I can’t resist that satisfying crunch when I bite into it. Plus, it’s easy to whip up for a quick dinner or a party. Just layer it up and enjoy! 🌮🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: Choose between Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese for the base crunch. If you want a healthier twist, try baked tortilla chips or even homemade tortilla chips seasoned with your favorite spices.
Ground Beef: I usually go for ground beef. However, ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Taco Seasoning: The packet is super convenient, but you can use a mix of cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder if you prefer homemade seasoning. It’s a fun way to adjust flavors to your liking!
Black Beans: These are great for protein and fiber, but if you’re not a fan, white beans or chickpeas can be excellent substitutes. They’ll soak up those delicious flavors too.
Sour Cream: If you’re looking for something lighter, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. It gives a similar creaminess with added protein!
How Do You Make Sure Your Ground Meat is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground meat can be simple, but it needs a bit of attention. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a medium heat on your skillet, adding a little oil if using lean meat to avoid sticking.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring even cooking and no large chunks.
- Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink in the center—about 8-10 minutes for ground beef or turkey.
- If there’s excess fat after cooking, carefully drain it to keep your dish from getting greasy.
These steps will help you achieve a flavorful and juicy meat base for your salad!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag (about 10-12 oz) Doritos (Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes browning the meat and mixing the salad, plus a little time for assembling everything together. It’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s browned. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula. If there’s any extra fat, drain it off after the meat is cooked through.
2. Add the Taco Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat, and add 2/3 cup of water. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes as indicated on the seasoning packet, until the mixture thickens. Give it a stir occasionally!
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the meat is cooking, take a large serving bowl and add the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix everything together gently. Once that’s done, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the mixture.
4. Combine the Taco Meat and Salad:
After the taco meat has cooled slightly, carefully add it to the salad mixture. Toss everything together so the flavors can blend nicely!
5. Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Crumble the Doritos on top of your salad, and then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese, sliced olives, and green onions over everything.
6. Finish with Creaminess and Freshness:
Dollop some sour cream on top of the salad, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. This step makes it all so creamy and delicious!
7. Serve with Lime:
Serve your beautiful Doritos Taco Salad immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime juice over your serving for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. Just cook it the same way, following the instructions for browning and seasoning. It may have a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a substitute for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works perfectly! It provides a similar creaminess and tang without sacrificing flavor. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the Doritos separate to maintain their crunch. Mix them in just before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with more black beans or some cooked lentils. You can also add additional veggies like bell peppers or avocado to enhance flavor and texture!
