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This vibrant Dorito Taco Salad brings together the classic flavors of a taco with the irresistible crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos for a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and that signature Dorito crunch creates a fiesta of textures and flavors that never disappoints at potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
I first made this salad for a neighborhood block party where it disappeared within minutes. Now my family requests it at least twice a month, especially on busy weeknights when we need something satisfying that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Doritos Nacho Cheese flavor: Provides the signature crunch and distinctive flavor that makes this salad memorable. The thicker texture of these chips holds up better than regular tortilla chips.
- Ground beef: Creates a hearty protein base. Choose 85/15 lean to fat ratio for the best flavor without excess grease.
- Taco seasoning packet: Saves time while delivering authentic Mexican flavors. Look for low sodium varieties if watching salt intake.
- Black beans: Add plant protein and fiber. Thoroughly rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.
- Corn kernels: Contribute sweet pops of flavor and bright color. Fresh corn cut from the cob is amazing in summer.
- Bell peppers: Provide vitamin C and crisp texture. Use red peppers for sweetness or green for a more vegetal flavor.
- Red onion: Adds sharp flavor that balances the richness of other ingredients. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer milder onion flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: Offers the perfect crisp foundation. The sturdy leaves stand up to the hearty ingredients better than iceberg.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy freshness and acidity. Choose firm, brightly colored tomatoes for best flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Creates creamy richness throughout the salad. Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded.
- Salsa: Delivers instant flavor depth. Select your preferred heat level from mild to hot.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and creaminess. Greek yogurt offers higher protein content if you want a healthier option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the meat has developed some brown caramelized bits for extra flavor. Drain off excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning it out, or by briefly transferring meat to a paper towel lined plate.
- Season the Meat:
- Return the drained meat to the pan and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef. Pour in 2/3 cup of water, stir thoroughly to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for about 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced and created a thick sauce coating the meat. Remove from heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Fresh Components:
- While the meat cooks, prepare the fresh ingredients. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce before chopping into bite sized pieces. Dice the bell pepper into 1/2 inch pieces for the perfect texture. Finely dice the red onion to ensure its flavor distributes evenly. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Place all these ingredients in a large serving bowl that will accommodate the entire salad with room for tossing.
- Create the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of salsa with 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Adjust proportions to your preference if you desire more or less tang. Set aside or refrigerate if not using immediately.
- Assemble the Base Salad:
- Add the cooled seasoned beef, corn, and black beans to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Gently toss these ingredients together until evenly distributed, being careful not to crush the delicate components.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Just before serving, crush the Doritos into bite sized pieces. You can do this while the bag is still sealed by gently pressing and rolling, or place them in a separate bowl and crush with your hands. Add the crushed chips to the salad and toss lightly to incorporate. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves if using.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad or serve it on the side for guests to add according to their preference. Provide lime wedges alongside for an extra burst of citrus that brightens all the flavors. Serve immediately while the Doritos are still crunchy.
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My absolute favorite moment with this recipe was watching my vegetable averse nephew devour two full servings without noticing all the healthy ingredients hidden among his beloved Doritos. Now he helps crush the chips whenever we make it, which has become our special cooking tradition together.
Make Ahead Tips
This taco salad can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance by keeping all components separate. Brown and season the meat, chop all vegetables, and prepare the dressing. Store each in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bring everything to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then combine with fresh crushed Doritos for maximum crunch.
Customization Options
This recipe welcomes creative adaptations to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with an additional can of black beans or 2 cups of crumbled plant based meat substitute. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and increase the vegetable to meat ratio.
Serving Suggestions
Turn this salad into an interactive meal by setting up a DIY taco salad bar. Place each component in separate bowls and let everyone build their perfect plate. This works wonderfully for family dinners where preferences vary or for casual entertaining. Serve with cold Mexican beer, horchata, or sparkling water with lime for a complete meal experience.
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Enjoy crafting this vibrant and satisfying taco salad, a surefire hit for all occasions!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this Dorito taco salad ahead of time?
You can prepare most components ahead of time, but keep them separate. Brown the beef with seasoning and chop all vegetables, storing them in separate containers. Only combine ingredients and add the crushed Doritos just before serving to maintain the crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and double the black beans, or substitute with plant-based ground meat alternatives. You could also add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.
- → What can I use instead of Doritos?
While Nacho Cheese Doritos provide the signature flavor, you can substitute with tortilla chips, Cool Ranch Doritos, or even Fritos. Each alternative will offer a different flavor profile but will still provide the essential crunch element.
- → Is there a healthier version of this salad?
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use baked Doritos or a smaller quantity of chips while increasing the fresh vegetables for added nutrition.
- → What dressings pair well with Dorito taco salad?
The salsa-sour cream mixture works perfectly, but other great options include avocado ranch, cilantro lime dressing, or a simple combination of lime juice and olive oil. You can also serve with guacamole or a spicy chipotle sauce for added flavor.
- → How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
If you've already added the Doritos, the salad is best consumed immediately as the chips will become soggy. If components are kept separate, the prepared ingredients will last 2-3 days refrigerated. Store the Doritos at room temperature in a sealed bag.