Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of taco-seasoned ground beef with the crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos and the freshness of chopped vegetables. Topped with Catalina dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 medium iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1-2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos chips
- 1 cup Catalina dressing
- Sour cream and guacamole for garnish, if desired
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Beef:
- Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add Taco Seasoning:
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Mix well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- Chop the Lettuce:
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped medium iceberg lettuce.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Dice 1 large tomato and add it to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Crush the Doritos:
- Roughly crush 1-2 cups of Nacho Cheese Doritos chips and add them to the salad bowl.
- Combine with Beef:
- Add the cooked ground beef to the salad bowl.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour 1 cup of Catalina dressing over the salad. Toss everything together to combine and coat evenly with the dressing.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish:
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with sour cream and guacamole if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your Doritos Taco Salad while it’s fresh and crunchy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Doritos: Add the Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Dressing: Catalina dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor, but you can substitute with ranch or your favorite dressing if preferred.
Variations
Vegetarian Taco Salad
- Substitute the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Taco Salad
- Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad for an extra kick.
Loaded Taco Salad
- Add additional toppings such as black olives, corn, shredded cheese, or avocado for a loaded taco salad.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to keep the Doritos crunchy.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Doritos may lose their crunch, so you might want to add fresh Doritos when serving again.
Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce? A: Yes, you can use romaine lettuce or a mix of greens if you prefer.
Q: What can I serve with Doritos Taco Salad? A: This salad can be served as a main dish or alongside Mexican-inspired sides like rice, beans, or chips and salsa.
Q: Can I use homemade taco seasoning? A: Absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning works great and allows you to control the flavors and spice level.
Doritos Taco Salad is a crunchy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. With its combination of savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Doritos, it’s sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this salad is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this fun and tasty dish with your family and friends!
