Easy Doritos Taco Salad

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules.​
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.​
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of familiar taco flavors and the crunch of Doritos makes this salad a hit with both kids and adults.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lean ground beef​Hip Mama’s Place+7Life In The Lofthouse+7Emily Bites+7
• Taco seasoning​Emily Bites+1Spend With Pennies+1
• Iceberg or romaine lettuce​Life In The Lofthouse+2Julie’s Eats & Treats ®+2Peas and Crayons+2
• Cherry tomatoes​
• Black beans (optional)​Allrecipes+1NeighborFood+1
• Corn kernels (optional)​Peas and Crayons
• Shredded cheddar cheese​
• Nacho Cheese Doritos​Spend With Pennies+4Life In The Lofthouse+4Emily Bites+4
• Catalina or French dressing​Emily Bites+1NeighborFood+1

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water, stirring until the meat is well-coated and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.​Peas and Crayons+1Life In The Lofthouse+1
2. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and, if using, drained black beans and corn.​Life In The Lofthouse+1Emily Bites+1
3. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled taco meat to the salad base. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.​
4. Add Doritos and Dressing: Just before serving, add slightly crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos to the salad. Drizzle with Catalina or French dressing.​
5. Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch of the Doritos.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.​Allrecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes​Real Simple
• Cook Time: 10 minutes​Spend With Pennies
• Total Time: 25 minutes​Hip Mama’s Place+6Real Simple+6Emily Bites+6

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.​Hip Mama’s Place
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add extra beans or a meat substitute to maintain protein content.​
• Dressing Alternatives: Ranch dressing can be used instead of Catalina for a different flavor profile.​Life In The Lofthouse+1Allrecipes+1
• Additional Toppings: Consider adding sliced black olives, diced avocado, or jalapeño slices for extra zest.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the Doritos may become soggy over time.​
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you’ve stored the components separately, you can gently reheat the meat before assembling the salad.​

FAQs

What type of lettuce works best for this salad?

Iceberg or romaine lettuce is recommended for their crisp texture, which holds up well with the other ingredients.​

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to add the Doritos and dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch.​

Is there a healthier alternative to Doritos?

You can use baked tortilla chips or a reduced-fat version of Doritos to lower the calorie content.​

What can I use instead of Catalina dressing?

French dressing is a common alternative, or you can try ranch dressing for a creamier taste.​

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, use spicy Doritos, or incorporate a spicy salsa into the dressing.​Spend With Pennies

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions make great additions.​

Is this salad gluten-free?

Traditional Doritos and some dressings contain gluten. Look for gluten-free alternatives if needed.​

How do I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?

Add the Doritos and dressing right before serving to keep them crunchy.​Emily Bites

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use your preferred cheese, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.​

What can I serve alongside this salad?

This salad pairs well with Mexican rice, cornbread, or a simple fruit salad.​

Conclusion

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that brings a fun twist to traditional salads. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for various occasions. Enjoy the hearty ingredients and the satisfying crunch in every bite!

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