This fun Doritos Taco Salad is a tasty mix of ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh veggies, all topped with crunchy Doritos! It’s like a party in a bowl!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip this up for dinner. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy sneaking in some nacho chips with their salad? It’s the best of both worlds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Nacho Cheese Doritos: The crunchy, cheesy flavor makes the salad special. If you want a milder taste, you can try Cool Ranch Doritos or even tortilla chips.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you prefer a leaner option. They still hold up well in flavor when seasoned with taco mix.
Canned Black Beans: If you have dietary restrictions, kidney beans or even cooked lentils can replace black beans and work nicely in the salad.
Corn Kernels: You can swap corn for diced bell peppers for a fresh crunch, or use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or even chives can add a fresh touch without the strong flavor.
How Do I Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Brown ground beef properly to avoid a greasy texture. Follow these simple steps:
- Use a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for better browning.
- Break the beef apart into small pieces as it cooks using a spatula.
- Cook until there’s no pink left, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease by tilting the pan slightly and spooning it out carefully.
Taking the time to brown the beef well ensures great flavor and prevents sogginess in your salad!
Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag (about 9-10 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- Optional: salsa or taco sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and delightful salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and serve. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the meat and mixing the ingredients and about 5-10 minutes chopping your veggies and assembling everything. It’s a speedy and satisfying meal perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Add Flavor with Seasoning:
Now that your beef is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat. Pour in water according to the package instructions (typically about 2/3 cup). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit, then take it off the heat.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped Romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions. This mix will add a fresh crunch to your salad!
4. Layer on the Good Stuff:
Next, add your tasty taco meat mixture right on top of the salad veggies. Spread it out evenly to make sure every bite is full of flavor!
5. Crunchy Finish:
Sprinkle the crushed Doritos on top, followed by a layer of shredded cheese to give a delicious cheesy finish. This adds the perfect crunch to your salad!
6. Add Creaminess:
Create lovely dollops of sour cream on top in the center of the salad, and then sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh touch and vibrant color.
7. Drizzle with Salsa:
If you like an extra kick, feel free to drizzle some salsa or taco sauce over the top!
8. Combine and Serve:
Just before serving, toss everything to combine for the best freshness and texture, or serve it layered for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your colorful, crunchy Doritos Taco Salad!
This recipe is perfect for quick dinners, parties, or potlucks. Enjoy every crunchy bite! 😋
FAQ About Easy Doritos Taco Salad
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and it’ll be just as flavorful with the taco seasoning!
What Can I Substitute for Doritos?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or want to avoid processed snacks, try using crushed tortilla chips or pita chips instead. They’ll add crunch without the extra additives!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and substituting it with additional black beans, chickpeas, or sautéed veggies. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant!
Can I Prepare Any Ingredients in Advance?
Definitely! You can cook the beef and prepare the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days for a quick assembly when you’re ready to serve.
