This colorful taco salad is a fun mix of Doritos, ground beef, cheese, and fresh veggies. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for a crowd!
I love how crunchy the Doritos make it! You can throw in anything you like—so feel free to get creative. It’s a great dish for parties or a quick dinner.
Honestly, you can whip this up in no time. I usually get everything ready and let everyone make their own bowl. It’s tasty and super easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this salad its protein punch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or cooking with a plant-based meat substitute like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning: While a packet is convenient, homemade taco seasoning can be more flavorful! Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder if you’re feeling adventurous. This way, you can adjust spices to taste.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine is great for crunch, but feel free to swap it out for iceberg or spinach if you prefer. Each type of lettuce brings a different texture, so go with what you enjoy!
Doritos: Nacho Cheese Doritos are the star here for that cheesy crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, corn tortilla chips can work just as well, and you can adjust seasoning for your taste!
How Do I Keep My Doritos Crunchy in the Salad?
No one likes soggy chips, right? To keep your Doritos nice and crunchy, add them just before serving. This way, they won’t have time to soak up moisture from the salad.
- Mix all your salad ingredients (lettuce, beans, corn, etc.) in a bowl without the Doritos first.
- When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the Doritos on top and toss just lightly.
- Serve immediately with a scoop of sour cream and salsa on the side.
This will help maintain that delightful crunch and texture that makes this salad so fun!
Easy Cheesy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for topping
- Optional: salsa or taco sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful taco salad can be prepared in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the beef and prepping ingredients, and then another 15 minutes assembling everything. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks until no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any extra grease from the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Prep the Salad Ingredients:
While the beef is cooking, chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn so they’re ready to go.
4. Combine the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and sliced black olives. This colorful mix is the base of your salad!
5. Add the Beef and Cheese:
Add the seasoned ground beef mixture to the salad bowl and toss everything together gently. Then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Add the Crunch:
Now for the fun part! Top your salad with crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, saving a few for garnish later. This adds that crunchy texture we love!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your taco salad by garnishing with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Add a generous dollop of sour cream to the top, and if you like, drizzle some salsa or taco sauce for extra flavor.
8. Enjoy Right Away!
Serve your taco salad immediately to keep the Doritos crunchy. It’s a hit at gatherings, or even just for a fun family dinner!
Gather around and enjoy this easy and delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Doritos Taco Salad
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative for a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking instructions and add your taco seasoning for flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with black beans or cooked lentils. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the Doritos separate until you’re ready to eat them to maintain their crunch. Just add them on top when serving!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time—chop the veggies, cook the beef, and mix everything together except for the Doritos and dressing. Keep everything in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture!
