Doritos Taco Salad Board Recipe
I absolutely adore this Doritos Taco Salad because it combines the perfect crunch of nacho cheese Doritos with the savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef and all my favorite fresh toppings. It’s like having a taco party on a plate, bringing back all those nostalgic feelings of snacking on Doritos during movie nights with friends.
My Doritos Taco Salad Board combines bold flavors and vibrant colors—a reason I enjoy cooking it. As a base, I use nacho cheese Doritos, a crunchy vehicle for more daring flavors.
Next comes the seasoned ground beef, a fine source of protein. Then the toppings, my favorite part.
I use cherry tomatoes, of course, but I also go wild and add unexpected flavors like avocado and even slices of radish. They don’t have to be there, but they help.
Raich Karamanchali spices the life of his salad with ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Doritos, nacho cheese flavor:
Cheesy base that’s crunchy, adds taste, and is ho-hum.
Ground beef:
Protein that is rich in flavor; substantial and satisfying.
Taco seasoning mix:
Zesty and spicy mix; boosts flavors of Mexican dishes.
Cherry tomatoes:
Sweet and juicy; full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Shredded cheddar cheese:
Creamy dairy; provides calcium and protein.
Iceberg lettuce:
Biting into a juicy and crisp apple is a delightful experience.
Apples are an excellent addition to a weight-loss diet, as they are:
– High in fiber,
– Low in calories, and
– Very filling.
Black olives:
The flavor profile of seawater; imparts nutritious lipids.
Avocado:
Source of healthy fats and fiber; truly creamy and rich.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bag (14-16 oz) Doritos, nacho cheese flavor
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a big skillet set on medium, heat the ground beef until it is brown, taking care to crumble the meat as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain the fat, if necessary.
2. Add the beef to the taco seasoning mix, along with the amount of water specified in the accompanying seasoning packet instructions. Let it simmer until it has thickened into a nearly dip-like texture, about 4-5 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
3. On a large serving board or platter, place the Doritos in an even layer.
4. Distribute the taco-seasoned ground beef evenly over the layer of Doritos.
5. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
6. Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, and sliced black olives evenly over the cheese.
7. Using a spoon, place dollops of sour cream on top of the salad.
8. The sliced green onions and diced avocado should be scattered about the board to add bright pops of color and freshness.
9. Ranch dressing drizzled all over the salad—now, that’s a salad! Or, serve it on the side for dipping, if drizzling isn’t your thing.
10. Top with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing over the salad, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your Doritos Taco Salad!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Large serving board or platter
7. Spoon
8. Small bowls (for garnish and dressing, optional)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of Doritos?Yes, any flavor of Doritos can be used, but the nacho cheese flavor pairs best with the taco elements.
- Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?A: You can definitely do that! Instead of using ground beef, use a plant-based protein like black beans or crumbled soy.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?B: Keep the ingredients apart. Refrigerate the lettuce and tomatoes. Store the Doritos separately, to keep them crispy.
- Q: What’s the best way to serve it?Directly serve on a large board or platter for a fun, shared experience; let guests make their own salad.
- Q: Can I prepare this in advance?A: The beef can be cooked and the ingredients prepped in advance, but the salad should be assembled just before serving to guarantee freshness.
- Q: What can I use instead of ranch dressing?A: For different flavor profiles, you can use salsa, Greek yogurt, or a vinaigrette as substitutes.
- Q: Is cilantro necessary?A: No, cilantro is not necessary. It can be left out or swapped for parsley if that works better for you.
Substitutions and Variations
Nacho cheese-flavored Doritos: Use another flavored tortilla chip or a plain tortilla chip for a milder taste.
Lean ground turkey or ground chicken can stand in for ground beef in meatloaf, a dish often seen as a bastion of high-fat comfort food.
Greek yogurt makes a healthier substitute for sour cream.
Cheddar cheese: For a different flavor profile, substitute Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.
Ranch dressing: For a twist, use salsa or a creamy avocado dressing instead.
Pro Tips
1. Layering Tip: For extra crispiness, consider briefly baking the Doritos layer in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before adding the toppings. This can keep the chips from getting soggy under the beef and toppings.
2. Beef Flavor Enhancement: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the taco-seasoned beef while it simmers. This will enhance the savory flavor and contribute to a richer texture.
3. Cheese Melting: Briefly microwave or warm in the oven the assembled base (Doritos, beef, and cheese) for a minute or so to gently melt the cheese before adding the fresh toppings. It integrates flavors wonderfully and can make the salad more cohesive.
4. Avocado Preservation: To prevent the diced avocado from browning, sprinkle it with a bit of lime juice before adding it to the salad. This will keep it looking fresh and add a zesty note.
5. Dressing Upgrade: Mix the ranch dressing with a bit of lime juice and a pinch of taco seasoning to add an extra kick. This will blend the dressing flavor more harmoniously with the rest of the salad.
Doritos Taco Salad Board Recipe
My favorite Doritos Taco Salad Board Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Large serving board or platter
7. Spoon
8. Small bowls (for garnish and dressing, optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (14-16 oz) Doritos, nacho cheese flavor
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a big skillet set on medium, heat the ground beef until it is brown, taking care to crumble the meat as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain the fat, if necessary.
2. Add the beef to the taco seasoning mix, along with the amount of water specified in the accompanying seasoning packet instructions. Let it simmer until it has thickened into a nearly dip-like texture, about 4-5 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
3. On a large serving board or platter, place the Doritos in an even layer.
4. Distribute the taco-seasoned ground beef evenly over the layer of Doritos.
5. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
6. Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, and sliced black olives evenly over the cheese.
7. Using a spoon, place dollops of sour cream on top of the salad.
8. The sliced green onions and diced avocado should be scattered about the board to add bright pops of color and freshness.
9. Ranch dressing drizzled all over the salad—now, that’s a salad! Or, serve it on the side for dipping, if drizzling isn’t your thing.
10. Top with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing over the salad, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your Doritos Taco Salad!