Doritos Taco Salad

A crunchy, cheesy, flavor-packed salad loaded with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and crushed Doritos — perfect for parties, potlucks, or quick dinners 🌮🥗

🕒 Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 22 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

🛒 Ingredients

🌮 Meat Layer

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)

• ¼ cup water

🥗 Salad Base

• 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup diced red onion

• 1 cup canned corn, drained

• 1 cup canned black beans or kidney beans, rinsed (optional)

🧀 Crunch & Cheese

• 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

🥣 Dressing

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

🌿 Optional Toppings

• Sliced jalapeños

• Avocado cubes

• Salsa

• Chopped cilantro

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.

3. Drain excess grease.

4. Stir in taco seasoning and water.

5. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk sour cream, mayo, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Refrigerate while assembling salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

1. In a large salad bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, onion, corn, beans, and cheese.

2. Toss gently.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Add warm taco meat on top of salad base.

2. Drizzle dressing over the salad.

3. Toss lightly to coat.

Step 5: Add Doritos & Serve

1. Just before serving, gently fold in crushed Doritos.

2. Garnish with avocado, jalapeños, salsa, or cilantro.

3. Serve immediately while crunchy.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Add Doritos last so they stay crunchy.

• Slightly warm meat improves flavor contrast.

• For parties, keep Doritos separate and let guests add their own.

🔁 Variations

🔥 Spicy: Use Flamin’ Hot Doritos
🥗 Vegetarian: Replace meat with seasoned black beans or lentils
🥑 Healthier: Use baked tortilla chips + Greek yogurt dressing
🍗 Chicken Version: Use shredded rotisserie chicken with taco seasoning

🧠 Health Benefits

• High in protein from beef and beans

• Fresh veggies provide fiber and vitamins

• Can be made lighter with yogurt dressing and lean meat

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep

Best eaten fresh.
If storing:

• Keep salad, meat, dressing, and Doritos separate.

• Refrigerate up to 2 days.

❓FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — prep everything separately and assemble just before serving.

Q: Can I make it low-carb?
Yes — skip Doritos and use crushed pork rinds or roasted nuts.

Q: Can I serve this warm?
Yes — warm meat + cold salad is delicious.

🍽 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 430

• Protein: 24g

• Carbs: 28g

• Fat: 25g