Pioneer Woman Church Potluck Recipes: Doritos Taco Salad Delight

Planning a church potluck or a large gathering and need a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit? Look no further than Doritos Taco Salad! This vibrant and flavorful dish is a potluck staple for good reason – it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is utterly irresistible. Inspired by classic potluck favorites and with a nod to the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing recipes you might find at a Pioneer Woman gathering, this Doritos Taco Salad is set to become your go-to recipe for any get-together.

Doritos Taco Salad

Why Doritos Taco Salad is a Potluck Perfect Choice

Church potlucks and community gatherings thrive on dishes that are both delicious and practical. Doritos Taco Salad checks all the boxes:

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, crunchy Doritos, fresh vegetables, cheese, and tangy dressing is a flavor explosion that appeals to all ages. It’s a fun and approachable salad that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking and straightforward assembly, this salad is a breeze to make, even when you’re preparing for a large group. The prep time is quick, leaving you more time to focus on other aspects of your event.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare most of the components in advance – cook the beef, chop the veggies, and shred the cheese. Just wait to add the Doritos and dressing right before serving to maintain that essential crunch.
• Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and readily available ingredients, this salad is an economical way to feed a large crowd without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
• Travels Well: Assembling the salad in a large bowl makes it easy to transport to potlucks and events.

Pioneer Woman Inspired Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

This recipe takes the classic Doritos Taco Salad and refines it for today’s tastes, using fresh ingredients and a balanced approach to flavor. It’s reminiscent of the hearty, flavorful dishes Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for – perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 95% lean ground beef
• 1 (1.25 oz) packet reduced sodium taco seasoning
• 1 medium-large head of iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1 medium-large tomato, diced
• 4 oz 50% less fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz nacho cheese Doritos, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup light Catalina or French dressing

Doritos Taco Salad

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Season the Beef: Add the packet of taco seasoning to the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prep the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble and Serve: Just before you’re ready to serve, add the taco seasoned ground beef to the bowl with the lettuce mixture. Pour the Catalina or French dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Finally, add the Doritos and lightly toss again, ensuring they are distributed throughout the salad but not crushed. Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum crunch of the Doritos.

Tips for the Best Potluck Taco Salad

• Timing is Key: The secret to a perfect Doritos Taco Salad is adding the Doritos and dressing right before serving. This prevents the Doritos from getting soggy and keeps the salad crisp and fresh. If you’re traveling to a potluck, pack the Doritos and dressing separately and add them just before serving.
• Lettuce Prep: Make sure your iceberg lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried. Crisp lettuce is essential for the right texture in this salad. For easy chopping, remove the core of the iceberg lettuce and then chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Dressing Choice: Catalina dressing provides a classic sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory taco meat and nacho cheese Doritos. French dressing is another popular and delicious alternative if you prefer a slightly different taste profile.
• Customize Your Crunch: If you want to add even more crunch, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or jicama to the salad.

Doritos Taco Salad

Make it Your Own: Variations and Add-ins

One of the great things about Doritos Taco Salad is its versatility. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs:

• Add Beans or Corn: For extra heartiness and fiber, add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or corn kernels.
• Spice it Up: If your crowd enjoys a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the taco seasoning or include some diced jalapeños in the salad.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground beef substitute seasoned with taco seasoning for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Bring Doritos Taco Salad to Your Next Church Potluck

Doritos Taco Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that embodies the spirit of community and sharing at church potlucks and gatherings. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for feeding a large group, this salad is destined to become a requested favorite. Bring this Pioneer Woman-inspired dish to your next potluck and watch it disappear!