Indulge in Flavorful Crunch with Doritos Taco Salad

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with a twist on a classic favorite – Doritos Taco Salad! This mouthwatering dish combines the bold flavors of tacos with the irresistible crunch of Doritos, resulting in a salad that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, Doritos Taco Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, let’s dive into the world of savory delights and discover how to create this irresistible salad that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients

• 1 medium-large tomato, diced
• 4 oz 50% less fat or 2% sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz nacho cheese Doritos, broken up a bit into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
• 1 (1.25 oz) packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
• 1 medium-large head of iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup light Catalina or French dressing

Instructions

Cooking the Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

Adding Taco Seasoning:

1. Sprinkle the reduced sodium taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef.
2. Stir to combine, ensuring that the taco seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Salad:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, and broken-up Doritos.
2. Add the cooked taco-seasoned ground beef to the bowl.

Dressing the Salad:

1. Pour the light Catalina or French dressing over the salad ingredients.
2. Gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Serving:

1. Divide the Doritos Taco Salad among serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with additional shredded cheese or crushed Doritos if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

Cook Notes and Variations

• Add Avocado: Enhance the creaminess and richness of the salad by adding sliced avocado or guacamole to the mix.
• Add Beans: Boost the protein and fiber content of the salad by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans.
• Add Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to the salad for extra flavor and heat.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Cheese Chips: Replace the Doritos with homemade cheese chips made by baking shredded cheddar cheese until crisp.
• Low-Carb Dressing: Opt for a low-carb dressing such as ranch or Caesar to reduce the carb content of the salad.
• Lettuce Wraps: Serve the taco-seasoned ground beef and salad ingredients in lettuce wraps instead of on a bed of lettuce for a keto-friendly option.

Low-Carb Version:

• Leafy Greens: Replace the iceberg lettuce with a mix of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or arugula for a lower-carb option.
• Nuts Instead of Doritos: Swap out the Doritos for a handful of crushed almonds or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
• Homemade Dressing: Make a homemade dressing using olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs for a low-carb alternative to store-bought dressings.

In conclusion, Doritos Taco Salad is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the irresistible crunch of Doritos. Whether enjoyed as a quick and easy weeknight dinner or served as a crowd-pleasing party dish, this salad is sure to impress with its flavorful combination of ingredients. With its customizable options and simple preparation, Doritos Taco Salad is a versatile and delicious addition to any mealtime occasion. So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this irresistible salad, and get ready to savor the savory goodness of Doritos Taco Salad!

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing for a quick and easy meal.
• Customize Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with additional ingredients such as sliced olives, diced onions, or shredded lettuce to allow guests to customize their Doritos Taco Salad to their liking.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the salad with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.
• Double the Recipe: Scale up the ingredients to make a larger batch of Doritos Taco Salad for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re well-equipped to create a delicious and satisfying Doritos Taco Salad that will become a favorite in your household. So, embrace the bold flavors and crunchy textures of this irresistible dish, and enjoy every flavorful bite!