A salad doesn’t have to be a bland meal. Tossing a few ingredients may be easy, but striking the right balance can be challenging when preparing salads.
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The Dorito taco salad features a mix of flavors and textures, a recipe that will become your favorite. The crunchy iceberg lettuce sets a perfect base for layering ingredients, while the tomato brings a tangy note. Next, we move to enhance this recipe with protein. Lean ground beef is a perfect candidate for this, and we complement it with a generous amount of taco seasoning to achieve an authentic Mexican flavor.
If you think this recipe needs extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream. Finally, you have a tasty salad that is an excellent choice for Taco Tuesdays.
What is Catalina dressing?
The Catalina dressing is a mix of oil, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. It pairs perfectly with meat and can be used as a marinade. The slightly tangy vibe adds a kick of freshness to this salad recipe.
Can I alter this salad?
Ground beef and Doritos are the base for this salad, but you can alter the other ingredients to create a different version. For example, you can use a salad mix instead of iceberg lettuce. To enhance your nutrition, go with kale or baby spinach.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
While you can prep your ingredients ahead of time, you are advised to assemble the salad just before serving. Otherwise, the Doritos will absorb moisture and lose their crunchiness. You can chop your veggies and cook your ground beef the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and toss the salad before consuming.
What are some optional toppings or add-ins?
If you want to enhance the salad, add canned corn and chopped bell peppers. Those who like spicy foods can add some chopped jalapenos. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for a more intense flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with tempeh, soy protein, seitan, or black beans. Remember the taco seasoning, which adds a lot of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Lean ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Iceberg lettuce
- Tomato
- Nacho cheese Doritos chips
- Catalina dressing
- Sour cream and guacamole
How to make Dorito taco salad:
Step 1. Add one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Heat it over medium-high.
Step 2. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the lean ground beef. Season with taco seasoning, and cook until brown.
Step 3. Drain the excess fat from the cooked beef and set aside.
Step 4. In a large salad bowl add the chopped iceberg lettuce. Add the cooked beef, tomato chunks, Catalonia dressing, and Doritos. Toss to combine the ingredients and ensure they are coated with the Catalina dressing.
Step 5. Garnish with guacamole and sour cream if desired, and serve immediately.
PrintDorito taco salad
This Dorito taco salad features a mix of flavors and textures, a recipe that will become your favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 lb. Lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp. Taco seasoning
- 1 Medium iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 Large tomato diced
- 1–2 C. Nacho cheese Doritos chips
- 1 C. Catalina dressing
- Sour cream and guacamole for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Add one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Heat it over medium-high.
- Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the lean ground beef. Season with taco seasoning, and cook until brown.
- Drain the excess fat from the cooked beef and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl add the chopped iceberg lettuce. Add the cooked beef, tomato chunks, Catalonia dressing, and Doritos. Toss to combine the ingredients and ensure they are coated with the Catalina dressing.
- Garnish with guacamole and sour cream if desired, and serve immediately.
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Marie Rayner is a retired Chef, freelance writer, recipe developer, food blogger, and Cookbook author. She makes her home in Chester, UK, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and their much beloved English Cocker, Mitzie. Her motto is “Life is far too short to eat bad food,” and her goal is to share delicious and easy recipes which anyone can enjoy and cook in the comfort of their own home.