DORITOS TACO SALAD

Doritos Taco Salad consists of crunchy Doritos, seasoned mince beef, shredded cheddar jack cheese, tomatoes, green peppers, black beans, corn, black olives, and iceberg lettuce in a delicious homemade Catalina dressing. One of my go-to salads for potlucks and family gatherings is this one.

Although it is a substantial dish, I occasionally pair it with my Classic Bloody Mary Cocktails or Raspberry Margaritas. Finally, spring has arrived, and with it a ton of fantastic salads. This regulation applies to the Doritos Taco salad as well. The entire family loves this fantastic salad. It assembles quickly and is simple to modify! Perhaps you would prefer to replace the green peppers with freshly sliced avocados. Maybe you prefer red onions to black olives because you don't like them. As I often say, personalize it to your preferences.

The components for the homemade Catalina salad dressing can be found in your pantry and are ready in just a few minutes. With plenty of fresh zing and no artificial colors or preservatives, it tastes considerably better than store-bought alternatives.

INGREDIENTS

CATALINA SALAD DRESSING

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2–3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

DORITOS TACO SALAD

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning or a packet of taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 large head of iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce chopped
• 1/2 green pepper chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped black olives
• 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 can (15.25 ounce) corn drained
• 1 can (15 ounce) black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups crushed nacho cheese Doritos

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Red wine vinegar, olive oil, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder should all be combined in a mason jar.  Shake vigorously to mix.  Add a cover and chill.
2. The ground beef should be browned over medium-high heat in a sizable skillet. Remove any extra grease. Add the water and taco seasoning and stir. For 5-7 minutes, simmer the mixture.  Before adding the beef mixture to the salad, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Iceberg lettuce should be added to a big bowl. Top with cheddar jack cheese, seasoned cooked meat, green pepper, tomatoes, black olives, corn, and beans.
4. Add the desired amount of dressing and crushed Doritos just before serving. Coat by tossing.

NOTES

• Before adding the taco-seasoned beef, allow it to cool a little.  You don't want your lettuce to wilt as a result!
• The taco salad can be made ahead of time, but save the dressing and chips until right before serving.
• Add a twist by blackening your corn!
• Change out an ingredient for another if you don't like it.  Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, as I usually advise.
• Up to two days in advance, the salad dressing can be prepared. Ranch dressing is a fantastic addition to this salad.
• Nacho cheese Doritos can be swapped out for cold ranch varieties. 
• For up to three days, keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. But the lettuce and chips will start to deteriorate quite rapidly. Serve the salad immediately for the best results. 

TIPS FOR MAKING DORITOS TACO SALAD

• Before adding the taco meat, allow it to cool somewhat. You don't want your lettuce to wilt as a result!
• The taco salad can be made ahead of time, but save the dressing and chips until right before serving.
• Make your corn black for more flavor!
• Change out an ingredient for another if you don't like it. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, as I usually advise.
• Up to two days in advance, the salad dressing can be prepared. Either ranch dressing or French dressing tastes great on this salad.
• Nacho cheese Doritos can be swapped out for cold ranch varieties. 
• For up to three days, keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. But the lettuce and chips will start to deteriorate quite rapidly. Serve the salad immediately for the best results.