This Dorito Taco Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory, seasoned ground beef, black beans, crisp lettuce, and the irresistible crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be whipped up in about 20 minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal, especially on hot summer days when you want to avoid turning on the oven.
Packed with flavor and texture, this salad is sure to become a family favorite. The tangy, salty crunch of Doritos paired with seasoned beef and fresh veggies makes every bite a satisfying treat. While the recipe is simple, it’s endlessly customizable. Add extra ingredients like corn, chopped green onions, or even swap out the dressing to make it your own. Whether you stick with the classic Catalina dressing or mix it up with ranch, this taco salad always hits the mark.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-large tomato, diced
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (50% less fat or 2%), shredded
- 4 oz Nacho Cheese Doritos, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
- 1 (1.25 oz) packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
- 1 medium-large head iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup light Catalina or French dressing (or ranch, if preferred)
Directions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasoning. Set the skillet aside to let the beef cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cooked ground beef to the salad mixture, and toss gently to combine.
- Add the Crunch:
- Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos to the salad. This is crucial for maintaining their crunch, so don’t add them too early.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the Catalina or French dressing over the salad (or ranch, if you prefer), and toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Doritos or cheese if desired.
Additional Notes:
- Customizations: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes by adding other ingredients like corn, black beans, green onions, or even a little jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Dressings: While Catalina is the traditional dressing for this salad, feel free to swap it out for ranch, thousand island, or even sour cream for a creamier version.
- For a lighter option: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and choose a lower-fat cheese or dressing to reduce the calorie count.
Nutritional Info:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- SmartPoints: 4 points per cup
- PointsPlus: 4 points per cup
- Servings: 14 cups
This Dorito Taco Salad is not only incredibly flavorful but also quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing makes it a dish you’ll keep coming back to.