Dorito Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic taco salad. It combines all the delicious elements of a traditional taco salad, such as seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing, with the added crunch and zesty flavor of Doritos. This salad is perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it an appealing and enjoyable dish for all ages.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, canned corn, black beans, and red onion. Toss to mix well.
- Add Cheese and Avocado: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and sliced black olives to the salad bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Add Cooked Beef: Once the ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the salad mixture and toss to distribute evenly.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa. Mix well to create a creamy dressing.
- Add Doritos: Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad. Toss lightly to combine and ensure the Doritos remain crunchy.
- Top with Dressing: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top of the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Dorito Taco Salad with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the full crunch and flavor of the Doritos.
Serve: This recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish.
Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Additional Tips:
- Variations: You can customize this salad by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Consider adding bell peppers, jalapeños, or shredded carrots for extra flavor and crunch.
- Protein Options: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or a meat substitute.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the salad ingredients and ground beef ahead of time, but wait to add the Doritos and dressing until just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Enjoy your cooking! If you have any other requests or need more recipes, feel free to ask.