This fun Doritos Taco Salad combines crunchy Doritos with yummy taco toppings. It’s colorful, tasty, and perfect for a party or family dinner!
I love how it all comes together! You just toss the ingredients and let everyone dig in. Plus, who can resist those crunchy Doritos? They make every bite special! 🌮🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: I love using Nacho Cheese flavor for its bold taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips or even homemade corn chips for the crunch.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can work as a leaner substitute. If you’re vegetarian, consider using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tempeh to mimic the texture.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought packets are convenient, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking!
Black Beans: If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can be great alternatives. They all add protein and fiber!
Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or even regular diced tomatoes can replace cherry tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Both will add a juicy burst to the salad.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef might seem simple, but there are some tips to get it just right. The goal is to achieve a nicely browned, flavor-packed meat. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat, and add the ground beef in an even layer.
- Let it sit for a minute before stirring. This helps in browning instead of steaming.
- Break it apart gently with a spatula, cooking for about 7-10 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
- Don’t forget to drain the fat afterward for a leaner dish, unless you want the extra flavor!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: diced avocado for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Doritos Taco Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the beef, followed by about 10 minutes assembling the salad. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it while stirring, breaking it apart until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once fully cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.
2. Season the Beef:
Add the taco seasoning mix to the cooked beef, along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir everything together well and cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Meanwhile, take a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded lettuce, drained black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together evenly.
4. Combine with the Beef:
After the beef has cooled a little, add it to the salad mixture. Mix gently to combine all the tasty ingredients together without crushing the veggies!
5. Add Doritos and Cheese:
Carefully fold in the Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is mixed but still keep that crunchiness of the Doritos intact.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Dish out individual portions topped with a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. If you like, add some diced avocado on top for an extra tasty touch.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in right away to enjoy it fresh and crunchy! This salad is a hit and perfect for gatherings or a quick family meal.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions and consider adjusting the seasoning slightly, as turkey can be milder in flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the salad for a similar texture and taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos in a separate bag to maintain their crunch, and mix them in just before serving leftovers!
