This Dorito Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic taco salad, with crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, family dinners, or even as a fun weeknight meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup water
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 1 cup Catalina dressing (or Ranch dressing)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully coated and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, kidney beans (if using), corn, and black olives.
Step 3: Add the Doritos
Just before serving, crush the Doritos lightly in the bag, then add them to the salad. Toss everything together to distribute the Doritos evenly.
Step 4: Add the Beef and Dressing
Add the cooked taco-seasoned ground beef to the salad, along with the Catalina dressing (or your preferred dressing). Toss everything together gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Dorito Taco Salad immediately, garnished with diced avocado and freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce adds the perfect crunch to this salad, but you can also use romaine or a mix of leafy greens.
- Doritos: For an extra cheesy flavor, use Nacho Cheese Doritos. However, you can experiment with different flavors like Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho for a twist.
- Dressing: Catalina dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad, but you can also use Ranch dressing or even sour cream for a creamier option.
Variations
1. Chicken Dorito Taco Salad
Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter version. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken with taco seasoning.
2. Vegetarian Dorito Taco Salad
Omit the ground beef and add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a vegetarian version. You can also add diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
3. Spicy Dorito Taco Salad
Add jalapeño slices or pickled jalapeños to the salad for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or Spicy Nacho Doritos to amp up the heat.
4. Taco Salad with Fritos
For a different flavor, substitute the Doritos with Fritos or tortilla chips.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of Dorito Taco Salad:
- Replace the Doritos with crushed pork rinds or cheese crisps for a low-carb crunch.
- Use sour cream or a keto-friendly dressing instead of Catalina.
- Skip the beans and corn to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients (except the Doritos) ahead of time and store them separately. Just before serving, toss in the Doritos and dressing to keep the chips from getting soggy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover taco salad (without the Doritos) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Doritos separate and add them just before serving again.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any shredded cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Q: What can I serve with Dorito Taco Salad?
This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side of guacamole and chips.
This Dorito Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy all the best taco ingredients in salad form, with a delicious crunch from the Doritos. Perfect for potlucks, casual dinners, or as a party dish, this salad is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to customize and can be made ahead for added convenience.
