Description
A vibrant and flavorful Dorito Taco Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese, all tossed with crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos and a zesty Catalina dressing. This easy-to-make, gluten-free salad is perfect for quick meals or potlucks, offering a delightful blend of textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (ensure gluten-free if required)
- 3/4 cup water
Salad Base
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Crunch and Dressing
- 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
- 1 cup Catalina or French dressing
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the browned beef. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped red onion. Toss lightly to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Meat with Salad: Add the cooled taco meat to the salad mixture and gently toss to incorporate the meat throughout the vegetables and cheese.
- Add Crunch and Dressing: Just before serving, sprinkle the slightly crushed Doritos over the salad. Pour the Catalina or French dressing on top and toss gently until everything is well coated and the Doritos retain some crunch.
- Serve with Optional Toppings: Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Add the Doritos right before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Catalina dressing provides a sweet and tangy flavor; alternatively, ranch or southwest dressing can be used for different taste profiles.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef or substitute with a plant-based meat alternative.
- Ensure taco seasoning and Doritos are gluten-free if catering to gluten-sensitive diets.
