This fun and crunchy Doritos Taco Salad has all your favorite taco flavors! It’s filled with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and, of course, crunchy Doritos for that extra oomph!
I love how easy this salad is to throw together—perfect for busy days! Plus, who can resist those colorful chips? It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Doritos: Nacho Cheese flavor adds a fun crunch and unique flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan of nacho cheese, you can use Cool Ranch or even plain tortilla chips for a different taste.
Ground Beef: I often use ground turkey as a lighter option that still has great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute like lentils for a protein boost.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is quick and easy, but homemade blends with cumin, chili powder, and paprika give you control over the spice level. Adjust based on your preference!
Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend works well, but for a creamier texture, consider using Monterey Jack or even a vegan cheese if you want to make it dairy-free.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh kick, but if you’re not a cilantro fan, try parsley or green onions instead. It changes the flavor but still keeps things bright!
How Can I Ensure My Taco Salad Stays Crunchy?
The key to keeping your Doritos nice and crunchy is to add them at the very last minute! Mixing them in too early can make them soggy from the dressing and moisture of the veggies. Here’s how to keep them crunch-tastic:
- Prepare the salad without the Doritos first. This means mixing all the ingredients in the bowl without adding the chips.
- Right before serving, break the Doritos into large pieces. This larger size helps keep the chips from becoming mushy too quickly.
- Serve the salad immediately after adding the Doritos. The longer they sit, the softer they’ll get!
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 bag of Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy Doritos Taco Salad can be ready in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the meat, and another 15 minutes mixing everything together. Serve it right away for the best crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much grease, feel free to drain some off, then stir in the taco seasoning. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, so the meat is well coated and fragrant. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool a little.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
While the meat cools, grab a large bowl and combine the shredded lettuce, corn, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and sliced black olives (if you’re using them). Mix everything together so it’s evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Once the meat has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to combine, being careful not to crush the veggies.
4. Add the Crunch:
Before serving, break the Doritos into large pieces and fold them into the salad. This helps keep them crunchy and adds an amazing texture!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Top your salad with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Enjoy your Doritos Taco Salad immediately for the best flavor and crunch!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef for Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and season well for best flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients individually and store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the Doritos separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch. The meat and veggie mix can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just toss everything together with the Doritos right before enjoying!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be mindful that the Doritos may lose their crunch. If that’s a concern, consider storing the salad mix and Doritos separately, adding the chips only when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or corn. Just remember that the key is to keep a good balance for flavor and texture, so aim for a mix of crunchy and creamy elements!
