- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, black beans, corn, and cheese.
- Add the cooled taco meat and crushed Doritos.
3. Dress & Toss
- Pour Catalina dressing (or your choice of dressing) over the salad.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado slices.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Best served fresh with extra Doritos on top for crunch.
- Storage: If making ahead, store ingredients separately and toss with dressing and Doritos right before serving.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but expect softer chips.
Variations & Customizations
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the Doritos and use crushed pork rinds or cheese crisps instead.
- Vegetarian Option: Use black beans instead of ground beef or swap for grilled tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in crushed Fritos or Cool Ranch Doritos.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the Doritos and dressing separate until serving.
2. What’s the best dressing for taco salad?
Catalina dressing is the classic choice, but ranch, French dressing, or a spicy chipotle dressing also work great.
3. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Lean proteins work just as well.
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