How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the beef cools, chop the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onion. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn if you're using them.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and salsa until smooth. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste—add more ranch for creaminess or more salsa for tanginess.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, black beans, and corn.
- Add the seasoned ground beef and toss everything together.
Step 5: Add the Doritos
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad for that signature crunch.
Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing
- Pour the ranch-salsa dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Avocado Lovers: Top with diced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
- Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based meat, and vegan ranch dressing.
Tips for Perfect Doritos Taco Salad
- Crunch Freshness: Add the Doritos right before serving to keep them crispy.
- Meal Prep: Prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before eating.
- Leftovers: Store leftover salad and Doritos separately to prevent sogginess.
