Try This Zesty Doritos Taco Salad Recipe Tonight

Taco nights just leveled up with this irresistible Doritos taco salad that combines crunchy, zesty flavors in every single bite.

The classic Mexican-inspired dish brings a playful twist to your dinner table with its vibrant mix of ingredients.

Crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and colorful toppings create a mouthwatering medley that screams freshness and fun.

Crushed Doritos add an unexpected crunch that takes this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and tangy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Prepare to wow your guests with a salad that breaks all the traditional rules and delivers pure deliciousness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this taco salad recipe and provides a healthier protein option.

• How spicy will this taco salad be?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you choose. Select mild, medium, or hot seasoning based on your preference for heat.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Keep ingredients separate and mix just before eating to prevent Doritos from getting soggy. The seasoned meat can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Replace ground meat with black beans or plant-based crumbles. Ensure you use vegetarian-friendly taco seasoning for a complete meatless version.

Doritos Taco Salad Highlights

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Meal: These sheet pan nachos deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for game day gatherings or casual family dinners where everyone can dive into a shared plate.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs – use ground turkey, add different veggies, or make vegetarian by replacing meat with extra beans and corn.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From prep to plate, this recipe requires simple cooking skills and minimal cleanup, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Snack-to-Meal Transformer: Easily elevate a basic snack into a satisfying meal by loading tortilla chips with protein-packed beef, beans, and colorful toppings that provide balanced nutrition and exciting textures.

Ingredients for Doritos Taco Salad

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides hearty protein for the taco salad.

• Taco Seasoning Packet: Adds classic Mexican-inspired spices and zest to the meat.
• Italian Dressing, Ranch Dressing: Combine to create a tangy and creamy flavor profile for the meat.

• Lettuce: Provides a crisp and fresh foundation for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Offer a juicy and bright element to the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sharp and aromatic taste to complement the other ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a rich and sharp cheese flavor to the salad.
• Doritos: Provide a crunchy and bold corn chip texture that makes the salad unique.

How to Make Doritos Taco Salad

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and crumble ground beef into the pan. Cook until the meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color.

Carefully drain off any extra grease using a colander to keep the meat lean and delicious.

Step 2: Season the Meat

• Taco seasoning packet
• Italian dressing
• Ranch dressing

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces and coats the meat beautifully.

Step 3: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

• Shred lettuce into bite-sized pieces
• Dice onions into small, even cubes
• Chop tomatoes into fresh chunks

Arrange each chopped ingredient in separate serving bowls to create a build-your-own salad station.

Step 4: Create Your Salad Bar

• Seasoned beef
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Diced onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed Doritos

Step 5: Assemble and Devour

Invite everyone to create their perfect taco salad by layering ingredients in their own bowl.

For a quick option, mix all ingredients together in a large serving bowl. Grab a fork and enjoy your flavor-packed Doritos Taco Salad!

Tips for Doritos Taco Salad

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and keep the salad light and fresh.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes into the meat mixture for an extra kick of spiciness that elevates the overall taste.
• Break chips into different sizes for varied texture – some larger chunks for crunch and some smaller pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce calories and create a more nutritious meal option.
• Keep ingredients separate until serving time to maintain crisp textures, preventing soggy lettuce and keeping Doritos crunchy.

Flavor Variations for Doritos Taco Salad

• Vegetarian Mexican Fiesta Salad: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a meatless version that still packs protein and flavor.
• Chicken Taco Salad Remix: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips for a leaner protein option that keeps the zesty southwestern spirit.
• Gluten-Free Crunchy Salad: Use gluten-free corn chips instead of Doritos and check that taco seasoning is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Spicy Southwest Salad: Add jalapeños, swap ranch for spicy chipotle dressing, and include pepper jack cheese to kick up the heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Doritos Taco Salad

• Boost Flavor Blast: Pair this zesty Doritos Taco Salad with ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo for a perfect flavor harmony that cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Complementary Cooling Companion: Serve a refreshing strawberry margarita alongside the salad to balance the spicy and savory notes, creating a vibrant taste experience that tingles the palate.
• Sidekick Smoothness: Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole as a creamy counterpoint to the crunchy Doritos, enhancing the overall texture and adding a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Quick Crunch Enhancer: Sprinkle additional crushed Doritos on top right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and add an extra layer of cheesy, corn chip excitement.

Storage Guidelines for Doritos Taco Salad

• Store the taco meat and salad ingredients separately in airtight containers. Keep the Doritos crisp in a sealed bag. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.
• Warm the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Microwave as an alternative, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each.
• Keep vegetables and cheese separate from meat and Doritos. Mix just before serving to maintain crispness. Discard lettuce and tomatoes if they look wilted or soggy.
• Freeze only the seasoned meat in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the salad.

Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Doritos Taco Salad delivers crunchy, zesty flavor in one epic bowl. Crisp tortilla chips mingle with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups ranch dressing

Vegetables and Garnish:

• 1 head lettuce, shredded
• 1 red onion, diced
• 6 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Italian dressing

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly crumble ground beef, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
2. Drain excess fat from the beef, then incorporate taco seasoning, Italian dressing, and ranch dressing into the meat mixture, simmering until liquid reduces and meat is well-coated.
3. Prepare vegetable components by finely shredding crisp lettuce, precisely dicing white onions, and carefully chopping ripe tomatoes, arranging each ingredient in separate serving bowls.
4. Create a customizable assembly station by positioning seasoned meat, fresh vegetable ingredients, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy Doritos chips in individual containers.
5. For individual servings, allow each person to craft their personal salad by layering preferred ingredients, starting with a lettuce base and adding desired toppings.
6. Alternatively, for a communal presentation, combine all prepared ingredients in a large serving bowl, gently tossing to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
7. Serve immediately to maintain the Doritos’ crispness and enjoy the vibrant, zesty flavors of this interactive taco-inspired salad.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the salad.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the salad soggy.
• Crush Doritos just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent them from getting soft.
• Prepare ingredients separately for dietary accommodations like vegetarian or gluten-free options.
• Try alternative protein sources like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for variety.
• Keep dressings and cheese on the side for guests with specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Refrigerate components separately to maintain freshness and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 645
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg