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Simple Doritos Taco Salad

Simple Doritos Taco Salad

This easy and delicious recipe offers a quick weeknight meal solution, transforming crushed Doritos into a crunchy, flavorful base for all your favorite taco toppings. It's the perfect way to satisfy taco cravings without a fuss.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 bag Doritos (9-11 ounces)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa (your preferred heat level)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large serving bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Large zip-top bag

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
    1 pound ground beef or turkey
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
    1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water
  3. In a large serving bowl, spread the chopped romaine lettuce.
    1 head romaine lettuce
  4. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, rinsed black beans, sliced black olives, and chopped red onion over the lettuce.
    1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  5. Spoon the cooled taco meat evenly over the salad toppings.
    1 pound ground beef or turkey
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, salsa, lime juice, and cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, to taste salt and pepper
  7. Place the entire bag of Doritos into a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands until they are in bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can pour them directly from the bag just before serving.
    1 bag Doritos
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top of the salad. Drizzle generously with the prepared dressing, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add themselves. Toss gently to combine or enjoy each layer as you scoop.
    1 bag Doritos, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, to taste salt and pepper

Notes

Store leftover salad components separately from dressing and crushed Doritos to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended.