Looking for a dish that’s vibrant, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion?
Look no further than the Doritos Taco Salad.
This crowd-pleasing recipe combines the crunch of Doritos with the fresh and zesty flavors of a traditional taco salad.
It’s easy to make, customizable, and a surefire hit at parties, family gatherings, or even a regular weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salad
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning mix
– 1 cup water
– 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
– 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small red onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 large bag (10.5 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
For the Dressing
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, according to your preference)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
1. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked.
Then break it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Add Taco Seasoning
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the taco seasoning mix and water. Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
1. Chop the Lettuce
While the beef is cooling, chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the Veggies
Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the bowl with the lettuce.
3. Cheese Tim
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, salsa, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin.
2. Season
Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
1. Mix the Salad
Pour the cooled taco meat over the top of the salad, then gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
2. Add the Doritos
Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad.
Toss again to combine, making sure the Doritos are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 5: Serve
1. Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad, or serve it on the side for guests to add themselves.
2. Garnish
If desired, garnish with additional shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Tips for the Perfect Doritos Taco Salad
1. Customize Your Ingredients
Feel free to swap out or add any ingredients to suit your taste.
Avocado, olives, and diced jalapeños are great additions.
2. Make It Vegetarian
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or a meat substitute like seasoned tofu or tempeh.
3. Keep It Crunchy
To keep the Doritos crunchy, add them just before serving.
If you have leftovers, store the Doritos separately and mix them in when you’re ready to eat.
4. Dressing Alternatives
If you prefer a different dressing, ranch or creamy cilantro lime dressing are excellent choices.
Serving Suggestions
Doritos Taco Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
– Main Course: Serve it as a main course for a light and satisfying meal.
– Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty side dish.
– Potluck Favorite: Bring it to a potluck or barbecue, and watch it disappear in no time.
– Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with the salad as one of the options, allowing guests to build their own tacos or taco bowls.
Storage and Leftovers
1. Store Separately
If you anticipate having leftovers, store the salad, dressing, and Doritos separately to maintain freshness and crunch.
2. Refrigerate
The salad (without Doritos and dressing) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Dressing
The dressing can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Conclusion
The Doritos Taco Salad is a delicious, fun, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Its combination of crunchy Doritos, savory taco meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a standout recipe that everyone will love.
Try it at your next gathering or for a simple weeknight dinner, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures.
