Tex-Mex Taco Salad with Crunchy Doritos
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex Taco Salad with crunchy Doritos that’s perfect for all occasions. This dish combines fresh, crisp lettuce with seasoned ground beef, zesty toppings, hearty beans, and the delightful crunch of crushed Doritos, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Ready in less than 15 minutes, this salad is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners. Share the joy of this delicious and satisfying salad with your friends and family!
4
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce
1 head (Washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Kidney Beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (Drained (optional))
Cheddar Cheese
To taste (Grated)
Ground Beef
1 lb (Cooked and crumbled)
Taco Seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (To season the ground beef)
Plain Doritos
1 (13 ounce) bag (Smashed up)
Italian Dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (For drizzling)
Fresh Tomato
1 medium (Diced)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2
Add the taco seasoning to the beef without adding water and continue to cook for another few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Set aside to cool.
3
While the beef is cooking, wash and tear the lettuce into a large salad bowl.
4
Once the beef has cooled, add it to the bowl with the lettuce.
5
Add the drained kidney beans (if using), grated cheddar cheese, smashed Doritos, and diced tomato to the salad bowl.
6
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crunchy.
7
Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring even distribution of the dressing without wilting the greens.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tex-Mex Taco Salad with Crunchy Doritos?
It is a vibrant and flavorful salad combining fresh lettuce, seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, cheddar cheese, and crushed Doritos, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing.
How long does it take to prepare this taco salad?
This recipe is very quick and can be ready in less than 15 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include lettuce, kidney beans, cheddar cheese, ground beef, taco seasoning, plain Doritos, Italian dressing, and fresh tomato.
Do I need to add water to the taco seasoning?
No, the instructions specify adding the taco seasoning to the beef without adding any water to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What type of Doritos should I use?
The recipe calls for one 13-ounce bag of plain Doritos, which should be smashed up before adding to the salad.
What kind of dressing is used in this recipe?
A 16-ounce bottle of Italian dressing is used to provide a tangy flavor to the salad.
How should I prepare the ground beef?
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, then season and let it cool.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but you should wait to add the dressing and Doritos until just before serving to keep them crunchy.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content of this salad?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the Tex-Mex Taco Salad?
This salad provides 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Are the kidney beans mandatory?
No, the kidney beans are listed as optional in the ingredients list.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
What type of cheese is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using grated cheddar cheese.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the ingredients just before serving and toss gently to ensure the greens stay crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or quick dinners.
How do I prepare the tomato?
One medium fresh tomato should be diced before being added to the salad bowl.
Should the beef be hot when added to the lettuce?
No, you should set the seasoned beef aside to cool before adding it to the lettuce to prevent wilting.
Can I use different types of beans?
While the recipe calls for kidney beans, you could substitute them with black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
How much taco seasoning is required?
You will need one 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning.
Can I use flavored Doritos instead of plain?
While the recipe specifies plain, many people enjoy using Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch Doritos for extra flavor.
What is the best way to toss the salad?
Toss everything gently to combine the ingredients without wilting the greens or over-crushing the chips.
Is this a spicy recipe?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you choose; you can use mild, medium, or hot seasoning.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the provided nutritional data, the sugar content is not specified.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the specific brands of taco seasoning, Doritos, and dressing used; always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, common additions include sour cream, guacamole, sliced olives, or jalapeños.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a skillet for the beef and a large salad bowl for mixing.