If you love a plate of nachos piled high with all the toppings, but you still are looking to get your daily dose of veggies, try turning loaded nachos on its head and make a taco salad! The ingredients are much the same but in different proportions.
In a taco salad, the majority of the dish is a shredded lettuce, vegetables, beans, and taco meat. It is all tossed together and drizzled with your favorite spicy salad dressing. Finally, instead of croutons, this Dorito taco salad is sprinkled with crushed chips just before serving. This dish is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a salad with a little spicy treat in there as well.
Ingredients
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 1/4 ounces taco seasoning
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2/3 cup water
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1 cup lettuce shredded
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1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
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1/4 cup sliced black olives
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15 ounces rinsed and drained can pinto beans
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1 cup cheese shredded
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1 1/2 cups Doritos chips
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16 ounces spicy salad dressing (such as a Southwestern ranch or chipotle vinaigrette)
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
Kristina Vanni
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Kristina Vanni
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Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let meat cool slightly before assembling the salad.
Kristina Vanni
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In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, pinto beans, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Kristina Vanni
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Top with the ground beef mixture and toss to combine.
Kristina Vanni
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Drizzle with the salad dressing and toss to coat evenly.
Kristina Vanni
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Sprinkle the broken Doritos chips on top and gently toss. Enjoy immediately. (If you plan to refrigerate and enjoy later, wait to top with the Doritos chips until just before serving so they don't become soggy.)
Kristina Vanni
Should Taco Salad be warm or cold?
Taco salad can be served warm or cold depending on your preference. It is nice to enjoy the cool, crisp lettuce in contrast with the warm taco meat.
What’s the difference between nachos and taco salad?
With nachos, the chips are the star. They form the base of the dish and everything is piled on top. With taco salad, the lettuce and vegetables are the star. Taco meat, cheese, dressing, and chips are all add in's to the salad ingredients.
How long is taco salad good for in the fridge?
Undressed salad is good in the fridge for up to one day. However, once the dressing is tossed in a salad it can become soggy quickly, so it should be enjoyed immediately or within a couple of hours.
What goes good with taco salad?
Taco salad tastes great with a glass of sangria or a nice margarita!
Can you eat a taco salad cold?
Yes, a taco salad can be enjoyed warm or cold.
