Description
This Doritos Taco Salad is a flavorful and crunchy main course salad combining seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos, all tossed in a zesty Catalina dressing. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a casual dinner or party, offering a satisfying blend of textures and bold taco flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
Salad Base
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
Dressing and Toppings
- 1 cup Catalina dressing or French dressing
- 3 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pan to reduce fat content.
- Season the beef. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat well. Remove from heat and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare the salad base. In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add the seasoned beef. Add the cooked and seasoned ground beef to the salad bowl and toss gently again to distribute the meat throughout the salad.
- Dress the salad. Pour the Catalina or French dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Fold in the Doritos. Just before serving, gently fold the lightly crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos into the salad to maintain their crunchy texture and add a zesty flavor contrast.
- Optional toppings and serving. Top the salad with sour cream and sliced black olives if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced avocado or fresh cilantro to the salad.
- To make ahead, prepare all components separately and combine just before serving to prevent the Doritos from becoming soggy.
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
- To make a gluten-free version, omit the Doritos or use gluten-free chips instead.
