Oh, the guilty pleasure of crunchy Doritos—how they bring back memories of late-night snacks and spontaneous road trips. Now, imagine capturing that nostalgia in a salad that’s as vibrant as a summer festival. This Dorito Taco Salad is a whirlwind of flavors and textures that—dare I say—transcends the mundane notion of salad.
Steps
- In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned, removing any excess fat. Mix in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water, allowing it to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add beans if desired, and set aside.
- Clean and thoroughly dry the lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce into a large salad bowl or distribute it evenly into individual serving bowls.
- Top the lettuce with the prepared meat mixture, followed by diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and any additional toppings you prefer, such as olives or jalapenos.
- Add a crunchy element by sprinkling tortilla chips over the top, and finish with a dollop of salsa and sour cream for added flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
- For a more restaurant-style presentation, consider serving the salad in a crispy tortilla bowl, baked at 350°F until golden. To make the tortilla bowl, spray with cooking spray, season, and bake in an ovenproof bowl for 10-15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup tortilla chips
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: olives, bell peppers, jalapenos, red or green onion
FAQ
- What types of meat can be used in a taco salad?
- You can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken, depending on what you have available.
- How can I season the meat for taco salad?
- Season the meat with either a store-bought packet of taco seasoning or make your own using spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
- What are some recommended toppings for a taco salad?
- Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, black olives, grilled corn, green onions, and cherry or Roma tomatoes. You can also add jalapenos, red onions, or hot sauce for extra spice.
- What dressing options work well with taco salad?
- Classic options like sour cream and salsa or Pico de Gallo are popular. For a creamy twist, you can try avocado dressing or chipotle ranch. Zesty options like cilantro lime or Catalina dressing are also great.
- Can I store leftover taco meat, and how should it be reheated?
- Yes, leftover taco meat can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat it in the microwave before using it again.
Tips
- Utilize pre-washed lettuce to save time during meal prep, and prepare toppings while the ground beef is browning for efficiency.
- Customize your taco salad by choosing between different types of meat, like ground turkey or chicken, based on what you have available.
- For added flavor and texture, incorporate a variety of toppings such as black olives, grilled corn, or tortilla strips, and finish with a dressing of your choice, like cilantro lime or creamy avocado.
- Store any leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and reheat it in the microwave for a quick meal later.
Equipment
- Taco Bowl Maker – For making tortilla bowls in the oven.
- Salad Spinner – To wash and dry lettuce efficiently.
- Ovenproof Bowls – If not using a taco bowl maker, these can be used to shape tortillas in the oven.
- Skillet – A medium skillet for browning ground beef.
