Ranch Fiesta Taco Salad
Experience a flavorful explosion with this Ranch Fiesta Taco Salad! This vibrant and refreshing salad combines seasoned ground beef with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and rich cheddar cheese, all tossed with crunchy Cool Ranch Doritos for that delightful crunch in every bite. Drizzled generously with creamy ranch dressing, this dish is not only perfect for light summer dinners but also a crowd-pleaser ideal for BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. Easy to prepare and easily doubled for larger gatherings, this salad will become a staple at your summer celebrations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
yellow onion
1 (diced)
tomatoes
2 large (diced)
cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
lettuce
1 large head (torn)
Cool Ranch Doritos
1 (13 ounce) bag (crushed)
ranch dressing
1 (24 ounce) bottle (ready to use)
taco seasoning
1 (1 ounce) packet (as per packet instructions)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ranch Fiesta Taco Salad?
Ranch Fiesta Taco Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and shredded cheese with the unique crunch of Cool Ranch Doritos, all topped with creamy ranch dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this taco salad?
The main ingredients include 1 lb ground beef, yellow onion, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, lettuce, a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos, ranch dressing, and taco seasoning.
Can I use a different type of chips instead of Cool Ranch Doritos?
Yes, while Cool Ranch Doritos provide the signature flavor, you can substitute them with Nacho Cheese Doritos, plain corn chips, or restaurant-style tortilla chips if preferred.
How do I prepare the ground beef for the salad?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet with the diced onion until fully cooked, then season it with a packet of taco seasoning according to the package instructions.
Can I make Ranch Fiesta Taco Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients separately in advance, but it is best to combine the chips and dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks, and it can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
A large head of iceberg or romaine lettuce is recommended because they provide a crisp texture that holds up well against the other ingredients.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives that still pair perfectly with the taco seasoning and ranch dressing.
How do I keep the Doritos from getting soft?
Wait until the very last minute before serving to toss the crushed chips into the salad to ensure they maintain their maximum crunch.
Can I add beans to this salad?
Yes, adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans is a great way to add extra protein and fiber to the meal.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
If you don't like ranch, you can use Thousand Island dressing, a zesty Catalina dressing, or a simple lime-cilantro vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While serving size can vary, this recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people as a side dish or 4 to 6 people as a main meal.
Can I add corn to the Ranch Fiesta Taco Salad?
Yes, sweet corn (canned, frozen, or grilled) is a popular addition that adds a nice sweetness and texture to the fiesta flavor profile.
What is the best way to crush the Doritos?
You can lightly squeeze the bag before opening it, or place the chips in a large resealable bag and gently press down with your hands.
Can I make this salad spicy?
To add heat, you can use spicy taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, or use Spicy Nacho or Flamin' Hot Doritos instead of Cool Ranch.
Should the beef be warm or cold when added to the salad?
It can be served either way. Adding warm beef creates a nice temperature contrast, but chilled beef is better if you are serving it outdoors in the heat.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes, a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder works perfectly as a substitute for the packet.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers are best stored with the chips and dressing kept separate. If already mixed, the salad is best eaten within a few hours as the chips will soften.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you must ensure your taco seasoning and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free, and check the Doritos label for potential cross-contamination.
What's the best cheese for this recipe?
A sharp cheddar provides great flavor, but a Mexican cheese blend (containing Monterey Jack, Asadero, or Queso Quesadilla) melts beautifully into the warm beef.
Can I add avocado to this salad?
Yes, fresh diced avocado or a few dollops of guacamole make a creamy and delicious addition to this taco salad.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from making the salad watery?
Deseeding the tomatoes before dicing them can help reduce the amount of excess liquid added to the salad bowl.
Can I use frozen onions?
Yes, frozen diced onions can be used when browning the beef to save on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, if you portion out the beef and vegetables into containers and keep the chips and dressing in separate small bags or containers until lunch time.
What kind of tomatoes are best?
Roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes are ideal because they are firm and easy to dice into uniform pieces.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or double the amount of beans and use a vegetarian-friendly taco seasoning.
Do I need to add salt to the salad?
Usually not, as the taco seasoning, Doritos, and ranch dressing already contain enough sodium to flavor the entire dish.
Can I add olives?
Sliced black olives are a classic taco salad topping and fit perfectly with the other ingredients in this recipe.
How should I serve the dressing for a party?
For parties, it is often best to serve the ranch dressing on the side so guests can customize their salad and leftovers stay fresh longer.
What makes this salad a 'Fiesta'?
The combination of bold taco spices, colorful vegetables, and the festive crunch of Doritos gives it a party-ready flavor and appearance.