Description

Dorito Taco Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. Combining the crunch of Doritos with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, this salad is both easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

One large tomato, diced
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces nacho cheese Doritos, crushed into bite-sized pieces
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, chopped into small-sized pieces
1 cup light Catalina/French dressing

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a medium skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the bits and stir until browned. This process should take a few minutes.

Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning

After the beef is cooked, add the packet of taco seasoning. Stir well until the meat is thoroughly coated and well-combined with the seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Transfer the chopped lettuce into a large mixing bowl. Add in the diced tomatoes, browned ground beef, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well-distributed.

Step 4: Add Doritos and Dressing

Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the salad. Pour the French dressing on top and mix all ingredients again to ensure even coating.

Notes

Serving Tips

Timing: Add the Doritos and dressing just before serving to ensure the chips stay crunchy and the salad is fresh.
Garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with additional shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Serving Dishes: Use a large, shallow serving bowl to allow easy mixing and serving. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly so everyone gets a bit of everything.
Portion Control: Serve the salad in individual bowls, allowing each person to mix in their desired amount of Doritos and dressing. This way, guests can customize their salad to their taste.
Sides: Pair the salad with complementary sides such as guacamole, salsa, or a Mexican-style corn salad to create a full meal.
Temperature: Serve the salad cold for the best taste. If the ground beef has been prepared ahead of time, ensure it’s cooled before mixing with the lettuce and other ingredients.

Storage Tips

Separate Components: Store the salad components separately if you plan to make the salad ahead of time. Keep the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, ground beef, and shredded cheese in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Doritos: Keep the crushed Doritos in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature to maintain their crunchiness.
Dressing: Store the dressing in a separate container. Shake well before using it to ensure it’s well-mixed.
Refrigeration: The prepared salad (without Doritos and dressing) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Once mixed with Doritos and dressing, the salad is best consumed immediately.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers after serving, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Doritos may become soggy, so you might want to add fresh Doritos and more dressing before serving again.
Freshness: To keep the salad ingredients fresh, consider prepping just before serving if possible. This ensures the lettuce remains crisp and the tomatoes juicy.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Dorito Taco Salad remains fresh, crunchy, and delicious, whether you’re serving it immediately or preparing it ahead of time.