Description
This Doritos Taco Salad is a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, crunchy Doritos chips, and your choice of dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner, it combines hearty and fresh ingredients with a cheesy crunch and a zesty dressing for a delightful salad experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- Water as called for on taco seasoning packet (approximately 2/3 cup)
Salad Base
- 3 to 4 Romaine lettuce hearts, rinsed then chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 large tomato, chopped or 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Dressing
- 1 ½ cups nacho cheese Doritos, broken into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup Catalina dressing or your favorite salad dressing (ranch works well too)
- Fresh cilantro, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Brown and crumble 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning packet along with the amount of water indicated on the packet (usually about 2/3 cup). Stir the beef mixture and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from heat and let the meat cool slightly before proceeding.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, rinsed black beans, chopped tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the slightly cooled seasoned ground beef to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to mix evenly. You may serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat. Avoid adding the Doritos chips at this stage to keep them crispy.
- Add Chips and Dressing Before Serving: Just before serving, add the broken nacho cheese Doritos to the salad bowl. Pour in the cup of Catalina dressing or your preferred salad dressing. Toss everything together thoroughly so the chips are lightly coated and the dressing is evenly distributed. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve promptly to enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Do not add Doritos chips until right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute Catalina dressing with ranch or any other favorite salad dressing based on your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the salad healthier.
- Rinsing black beans helps reduce sodium content and improve texture.
- If making ahead, keep dressing and chips separate until serving.
