Dorito Taco Salad

A Dorito Taco Salad is a fun, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner, potlucks, or even as a party snack! It’s got all the classic taco flavors, with a crispy Dorito crunch that adds an irresistible texture. This salad can be customized easily, but here’s a basic recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1/2 cup water (as required by taco seasoning instructions)
• 1 bag (8-9 oz) Doritos (any flavor, but the classic Nacho Cheese works great)
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded (romaine or iceberg)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
• 1/4 cup guacamole (optional, but highly recommended!)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Meat:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Add the taco seasoning and water, and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the seasoning is well absorbed and the mixture is thickened.

2. Prepare the Salad Base:

   • While the meat is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. Shred the lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
   • Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion, and drain the black beans and corn. Add them to the bowl with the lettuce.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • Once the taco meat is ready and slightly cooled, add it to the salad bowl.
   • Crush the Doritos slightly in the bag to break them into smaller pieces, and then add them to the salad for that signature crunch.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salad, then toss everything together gently to mix.

4. Add Toppings and Dressing:

   • For serving, top with a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salsa, and guacamole if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and black olives if you like.
   • Toss everything just before serving, so the Doritos stay crunchy and fresh!

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately as a hearty, delicious main dish or a side salad for taco night!

Tips for a Perfect Dorito Taco Salad:

• Customizing: Add other ingredients like jalapeños, bell peppers, or even diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it vegetarian: Use beans (black, pinto, or refried) as the main protein, and add some extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, and avocado.
• Crunch factor: Be careful not to add the Doritos too early if you’re prepping in advance, as they might get soggy. Wait until just before serving to add them.
• Dressing: If you prefer a creamy dressing, you can mix the sour cream with a little taco sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prep the salad ingredients ahead of time: You can prepare the veggies, meat, and toppings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.
• Taco meat: The taco meat can be cooked a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Just reheat it before adding it to the salad.

This Dorito Taco Salad is a crowd-pleaser, full of flavor and crunch! It’s easy to make and perfect for a fun family dinner or potluck dish. Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!