Doritos Taco Salad
One of the best things about this salad is how versatile it is. You can change it up with whatever ingredients you have on hand or whatever you're in the mood for that day. Sometimes I throw in some extra veggies, or if I'm feeling extra indulgent, I might add a little more cheese.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Salad Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can Opener
- Sharp Knife
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade seasoning
- 6 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups Doritos crushed
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup salsa mild or medium depending on your preference
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and let it warm up for about 2 minutes.
- Add the Ground Beef: Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef (or turkey if you're using that). Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally.
- Season the Beef: After about 5 minutes, when the beef starts to brown, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Follow the packet instructions for adding water (usually about 1/4 cup). Stir it all together so the seasoning evenly coats the beef.
- Let it Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beef simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Once the beef is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- Pro Tip: If you're using ground turkey, it tends to release more liquid, so you may want to drain some of the excess fat before adding the seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Shred the Lettuce: While the beef is cooking, wash and dry the lettuce. Stack the leaves, then slice them into bite-sized strips. Toss the shredded lettuce into a large salad bowl.
- Chop the Veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the red onion. Add these to the salad bowl with the lettuce.
- Grate the Cheese: Using a box grater or food processor, grate both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing and salsa. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Taste & Adjust: Give the dressing a quick taste. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a little extra salsa or some hot sauce to kick it up a notch!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Add the Beef: Now that your beef is ready, add it directly on top of the lettuce and veggies. Don’t mix it just yet — let the beef sit on top for a moment.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef. This creates a nice layer that will melt slightly when you mix everything together.
- Toss the Salad: Carefully toss the ingredients in the bowl, making sure the beef, cheese, veggies, and lettuce are well distributed.
Step 5: Add the Doritos and Dressing
- Crush the Doritos: Open the Doritos bag and crush the chips slightly with your hands — just enough to break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Don’t crush them too fine; you want that satisfying crunch in every bite!
- Top the Salad: Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad. Then, drizzle the creamy dressing mixture on top.
- Give It One Last Toss: Gently toss the salad again to coat the Doritos and the salad evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the chips too much — keep some of that crunch!
- Pro Tip: Add the Doritos last so they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy from the dressing. Only mix them in just before serving!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best served right away, while the Doritos are still crisp. Grab some plates or bowls, and serve it up!
- Optional Garnish: If you’re feeling fancy, you can top the salad with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~450–500 kcal
- Protein: 20–25g
- Fat: 30–35g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30g
- Fiber: 3–5g
- Sugar: 4–6g
- Sodium: ~800–1000mg
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.