I absolutely love bringing a fresh and crunchy Doritos Taco Salad to the table! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to spark joy and bring back sweet memories of family gatherings. Growing up, we’d always make this salad for fiestas, and it became a delightful tradition. The combination of vibrant colors and textures makes every bite a celebration of flavors, reminding me of sunny days with loved ones. I know you’ll feel the same way when you whip up this delicious salad.
Total time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cost: Affordable
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Ingredients for preparing Doritos Taco Salad:
- Iceberg lettuce: Acts as a fresh, crunchy base that holds all the ingredients together.
- Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a pop of color.
- Green peppers: Imparts a nice crunch and a subtle sweetness.
- Black beans: Provides protein and a wonderful texture.
- Corn: Sweet and crunchy; it brightens up the salad.
- Black olives: Adds a savory richness.
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish; seasoned perfectly for that taco flavor.
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese: Brings a creamy richness that ties everything together.
- Doritos: The ultimate crunch factor! They give this salad an irresistible twist.
- Catalina dressing: A tangy finish that complements all the flavors.
Personal note: If you want an extra kick, try adding a little jalapeño to the mix or swapping out the Catalina dressing for a zesty salsa!
Steps to prepare Doritos Taco Salad:
1. Prepare the base:
- In a large bowl, chop the iceberg lettuce and add it to the bowl.
2. Add fresh vegetables:
- Dice the tomatoes and green peppers and add them to the bowl.
3. Include the beans and corn:
- Rinse and drain the black beans and corn, then add to the mixture.
4. Mix in the olives:
- Slice the black olives and mix them in as well.
5. Cook the beef:
- Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning, then allow it to cool before adding it to the salad.
6. Toss it all together:
- Toss the salad ingredients together until evenly mixed.
7. Add the finishing touch:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped Doritos on top and drizzle with Catalina dressing.
8. Serve!
- Serve immediately and enjoy every bite of this flavorful creation!
I love making this dish because it’s not only easy but also a burst of flavors and textures. Each ingredient brings something special, making it a favorite at gatherings and family dinners alike!
What you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon for mixing
- Skillet for cooking beef
Step-by-step guide to preparing Doritos Taco Salad:
- First, chop the iceberg lettuce and fill your large bowl. Trust me; this crisp base is essential.
- Second, dice those bright tomatoes and green peppers for a fresh burst of flavor. You’ll love how colorful the salad looks!
- Third, rinse and drain the black beans and corn. Their sweetness complements the savory beef perfectly.
- Next, slice the black olives. Their salty, rich flavor creates a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
- After that, cook your ground beef with taco seasoning. Make sure it cools before mixing it into your salad, so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce.
- Now, toss everything together! This is where the magic happens—the flavors and textures blend beautifully.
- Just before serving, add the Doritos and drizzle with the Catalina dressing. The crunch from the Doritos is what takes this salad to a whole new level!
- Finally, serve right away to enjoy the crunchiness of the Doritos.
Tips for the best results:
- For extra flavor, cook your beef with some chopped onions or garlic. It adds another layer of deliciousness that you won’t want to miss!
Serving suggestions:
Pair this delightful Doritos Taco Salad with a side of Mexican rice or some freshly made guacamole for a complete meal. They all complement each other so well.
What to pair Doritos Taco Salad with:
A refreshing drink like agua fresca or a classic margarita really elevates the meal experience!
What to do with leftovers:
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily make it a day in advance without the Doritos. Just add them just before you eat to keep that crunch! To reheat, warm the beef gently in a skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and mix them, but I recommend adding the Doritos and dressing just before serving for the best texture. -
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or even a plant-based protein can work wonderfully if you want a lighter option. -
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Doritos and dressing, this can be a gluten-free dish!
Conclusion:
I invite you to try this Doritos Taco Salad. It’s easy, quick, and, most importantly, delicious! Cooking is all about creating those beautiful memories, and I hope this salad becomes a part of your family gatherings, just like it has in mine. Enjoy the crunch and flavor, and let the smiles be as big as the flavors!
Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 head Iceberg lettuce Acts as a fresh, crunchy base
- 2 medium Tomatoes Adds juiciness and a pop of color
- 1 medium Green pepper Imparts crunch and subtle sweetness
- 1 can Black beans Provides protein and texture
- 1 cup Corn Sweet and crunchy; brightens up the salad
- 1/2 cup Black olives Adds a savory richness
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef The heart of the dish; seasoned perfectly
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar jack cheese Brings creamy richness
- 2 cups Doritos Ultimate crunch factor
Dressing
- 1 cup Catalina dressing Tangy finish that complements all flavors
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the iceberg lettuce and add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the tomatoes and green peppers and add to the bowl.
- Rinse and drain the black beans and corn, then add to the mixture.
- Slice the black olives and mix them in.
- Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning, then allow it to cool.
- Toss the salad ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped Doritos on top and drizzle with Catalina dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!