Dorito Taco Salad

For the salad base:

• Romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
• Canned corn, drained
• Canned black beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained

For the crunch and dressing:

• Nacho cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
• Catalina dressing or French dressing
• Sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Method to Make Dorito Taco Salad

Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, add the recommended amount of water, and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the meat is cooling, wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, and beans. Toss gently to combine, creating a colorful and fresh salad base.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the vegetables. The cheese adds richness and helps balance the bold flavors of the taco meat and dressing.

Step 4: Combine with the Taco Meat

Once the taco meat is warm but not piping hot, add it to the salad bowl. Gently toss so the meat is evenly distributed throughout the salad without wilting the lettuce too much.

Step 5: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, stir together the Catalina (or French) dressing and sour cream if using. This combination creates a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the seasoned meat and crunchy chips.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Add the Doritos at the Last Moment

Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad. Toss gently one final time. Adding the chips at the end ensures they stay crunchy and don’t become soggy.

Serving Tips and Variations

• Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.
• For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Add extras like sliced olives, diced avocado, or jalapeños for more flavor.
• If serving for a party, keep the Doritos separate and let guests add them to their own bowls.

Final Thoughts

Dorito Taco Salad is the perfect balance of comfort food and fresh ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always satisfying thanks to its bold flavors and crunchy texture. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a social gathering, this step-by-step method guarantees a delicious result every time.

Once you try it, this salad is sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.