
Making a Spicy Dorito Taco Salad is a delicious and fun way to enjoy a flavorful meal with a bit of crunch. The salad typically includes a mixture of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and crushed Doritos, all tossed together with a zesty dressing. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to guide you through the process:
Spicy Dorito Taco Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)
- 1 cup water
- 1 head of lettuce (chopped or shredded)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1-2 cups spicy nacho Doritos (crushed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Cilantro (optional, chopped for garnish)
- Jalapeños (optional, sliced for extra spice)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, salsa, ranch dressing, and lime juice.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, and black olives.
- Add the slightly cooled taco meat to the salad mixture.
- Add the Crunch:
- Just before serving, add the crushed spicy nacho Doritos to the salad. This ensures they stay crispy.
- Toss with Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the salad.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Meat Alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like seasoned tofu or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots.
- Heat Adjustment: For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or include fresh jalapeños in the salad mix.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ground beef and chop the veggies ahead of time, but keep the Doritos and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
- Leftovers: If you expect leftovers, keep the ingredients separate and combine just before eating to maintain the freshness and crunch of the Doritos.
Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Here is a visual guide to help you make the Spicy Dorito Taco Salad:
- Brown the ground beef and mix with taco seasoning.
- Prepare the salad ingredients.
- Combine the ingredients, adding the Doritos last.
- Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes.
This salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun addition to a potluck or picnic. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy Dorito Taco Salad!