Simple Doritos Taco Salad (Printable)
Crunchy Tex-Mex salad with seasoned beef, cheddar, black beans, corn and Doritos, tossed in ranch dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Seasonings
02 - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
03 - 1/4 cup water
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/2 cup red onion, diced
07 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 cup canned corn, drained
→ Cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Chips
10 - 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
→ Dressing
11 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing or Catalina dressing
# Steps:
01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
02 - Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the beef to cool slightly.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.
04 - Add the slightly cooled taco beef to the salad bowl with the vegetables and cheese.
05 - Just before serving, add the slightly crushed Doritos and your preferred dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Serve immediately to preserve the crunch of the Doritos.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s the secret weapon for satisfying a crowd without slaving over the stove.
- The crunch of Doritos mixed with creamy dressing and warm beef is just irresistible.
02 -
- Once, I tossed the chips too early—nobody likes soggy Doritos, so always add them last.
- Letting the beef cool a few minutes prevents the lettuce from wilting and keeps the salad lively.
03 -
- Always taste the beef after seasoning; a pinch more salt or a dash of chili powder sometimes takes it over the top.
- Doritos crumbs at the bottom of the bag are gold—dump them in for extra crunch.