Posted inBlogs Foods Recipes

Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1–2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, roughly crushed
  • 1 cup Catalina dressing (or your preferred dressing)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat. Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to help the seasoning blend into the beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is well seasoned and the liquid has reduced. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Salad: While the beef is cooling, chop the iceberg lettuce and dice the tomato. In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce and tomato.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Add the ground beef to the salad bowl with the lettuce and tomato. Break up the Nacho Cheese Doritos into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the salad. Add more or less depending on how crunchy you like your salad.
  5. Add the Dressing: Pour the Catalina dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine. If you want a creamier texture, you can use more dressing, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can make the salad soggy.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately after tossing the salad, or let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can garnish with additional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream if desired.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

The nutrition will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size, but here is a general estimate for one serving of Dorito Taco Salad (without extra toppings):

Nutrition per Serving (1 cup of salad):

  • Calories: 350–450 kcal
  • Protein: 20–25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25–35 g
    • Fiber: 2–3 g
    • Sugars: 6–8 g
  • Fat: 20–25 g
    • Saturated Fat: 5–7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45–60 mg
  • Sodium: 600–900 mg (depending on taco seasoning and dressing)
  • Potassium: 400–600 mg
  • Vitamin A: 15–20% DV (from lettuce)
  • Vitamin C: 10–15% DV (from tomatoes and lettuce)
  • Calcium: 4–6% DV
  • Iron: 10–15% DV

Key Nutritional Benefits:

  • Protein from Ground Beef: The ground beef provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. You can also use lean ground turkey for a lighter version of the salad.
  • Healthy Fats: The olive oil used for cooking the beef contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health. The Doritos add some fat, but in moderation, they’re a fun addition to the salad.
  • Vitamins & Minerals: The iceberg lettuce provides fiber and a small amount of vitamins (especially vitamin A and vitamin C), while the tomato contributes antioxidants like lycopene and additional vitamins.
  • Crunch & Flavor from Doritos: The Doritos provide a satisfying crunch, along with cheesy, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. While they do add some extra calories and fat, they’re a fun treat that makes this dish extra special.

Variations and Tips:

  • Make it Spicy: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to give your taco salad an extra kick. You can also opt for spicy Doritos to bring the heat.
  • Healthy Substitutes: If you’re looking to make the salad lighter, consider using low-fat Catalina dressing, or replace the Doritos with a healthier option like baked tortilla chips or pita chips. You could also use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in some other veggies like corn, black beans, or avocado for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Top with Sour Cream or Guacamole: To make the salad even more indulgent, top it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.

Why You’ll Love Dorito Taco Salad:

  • Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this salad comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without a lot of effort.
  • Kid-Friendly: The combination of crunchy chips, seasoned beef, and creamy dressing is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. You can easily make this salad a fun, interactive meal by allowing everyone to assemble their own bowls.
  • Customizable: Whether you like your salad extra crunchy or loaded with toppings, Dorito Taco Salad can be tailored to suit any taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers or add in whatever ingredients you have on hand.
  • Savory & Crunchy: The Doritos give this salad a uniquely satisfying crunch that’s hard to beat, and the seasoned beef adds a delicious savory flavor to balance out the crisp lettuce and tomatoes.

Dorito Taco Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of taco night with the convenience and freshness of a salad. With its bold flavors and crunchy texture, it’s a fun, easy meal that everyone will enjoy!