Doritos Taco Salad Recipe – Recipes on a Budget

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Anyone else love Doritos Taco Salad?! I know some people like to add kidney beans, but we leave them out. This is enough to feed 10!
2 heads iceberg lettuce, chopped
3 cups cheddar cheese
2 large tomatoes diced
2lbs ground beef (salt&pepper for tatse, or use taco seasoning)
1 party size bag Doritos, crushed
2 family size bottles Catalina dressing
ETA: only used the roasting pan to mix and serve lol no heating

Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 heads iceberg lettuce, chopped
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 lbs ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste (or use taco seasoning)
1 party size bag Doritos, crushed
2 family size bottles Catalina dressing

Instructions:

Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, or use taco seasoning for added flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes into small chunks. Place the chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them into smaller pieces using your hands or a rolling pin. You can also crush them with your hands directly in the bag. Add the crushed Doritos to the mixing bowl with the lettuce and tomatoes.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese if not already shredded. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
Combine Ingredients: Toss the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, crushed Doritos, and shredded cheddar cheese together in the mixing bowl until well combined.
Add Cooked Ground Beef: Once the cooked ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Toss everything together to distribute the beef evenly throughout the salad.
Dress the Salad: Pour the Catalina dressing over the salad mixture. Start with one bottle and add more according to your taste preference. Toss the salad again to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve: Transfer the Doritos Taco Salad to a large roasting pan or any other large serving dish. The roasting pan can be used for both mixing and serving, as per your instructions.
Enjoy: Serve the Doritos Taco Salad immediately and enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish with your family and friends! The combination of flavors and textures will surely be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy your meal!

A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor.

Q: How do I prepare the ground beef for Doritos Taco Salad? A: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and then add taco seasoning according to the package instructions for flavor.

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options for Doritos Taco Salad? A: Yes, you can use plant-based meat alternatives or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian or vegan version. Ensure other ingredients like cheese and sour cream are also plant-based.

Q: Can I use a different type of Doritos for the salad? A: Yes, you can experiment with different Doritos flavors, such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho, to customize the taste of your salad.

Q: How far in advance can I prepare Doritos Taco Salad? A: It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the Doritos. However, you can prepare the individual components (cooked meat, chopped vegetables, etc.) in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make a larger batch for a crowd? A: Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe by doubling or tripling the ingredients based on the number of servings needed.

Q: Is there a low-fat version of Doritos Taco Salad? A: You can make a lighter version by using lean ground meat, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat sour cream. You can also incorporate more vegetables for added freshness.

Q: Can I customize the toppings based on personal preferences? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add or omit toppings according to your taste. Avocado, olives, green onions, or cilantro are some additional options you might consider.

Q: How long does Doritos Taco Salad stay fresh? A: Once assembled, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the Doritos. If you have leftovers, store the components separately, and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and crisp ingredients, especially when it comes to lettuce and tomatoes. This ensures a satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors.
Doritos Crunch: To maintain the crunchiness of Doritos, crush them and add them to the salad just before serving. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Taco Seasoning: Make your own taco seasoning or choose a high-quality store-bought option for a more flavorful and customized taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Variety in Proteins: Experiment with different proteins like seasoned chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options for variety. This allows you to tailor the salad to your dietary preferences.
Layering: Consider layering the ingredients in a trifle dish or a large transparent bowl for a visually appealing presentation. This showcases the colorful layers of the salad.
Cheese Choices: Opt for a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor profile. You can also use a Mexican cheese blend for an authentic touch.
Customizable Toppings: Set up a “toppings bar” with various toppings like diced avocado, sliced olives, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños. This way, everyone can customize their salad to their liking.
Temperature Balance: Ensure that the cooked meat is at room temperature or slightly warm when assembling the salad. Cold meat can detract from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Dressing Distribution: Mix the dressing or salsa evenly throughout the salad to ensure that every bite is well-seasoned. This helps avoid having some parts overly dry or too saucy.
Serve Immediately: Doritos Taco Salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to maintain the freshness and crunch. If serving at a party, consider keeping the components separate until it’s time to serve.
Portable Option: If you need a portable version for a picnic or potluck, pack the crushed Doritos separately and assemble the salad on-site to avoid sogginess.
Layered Presentation: If you’re serving the salad individually, consider layering the ingredients in a bowl for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Start with lettuce, followed by meat, cheese, tomatoes, and then top with crushed Doritos.