Doritos Taco Salad – Okay, confession time: Doritos Taco Salad is one of those recipes that makes me feel like a kid again. Every time I make it, I’m back at my family’s summer potlucks, where we’d all bring our favorite dishes and claim our spots in line (kids first if we were lucky!). I remember seeing this colorful, Dorito-stuffed salad on the table and thinking, a salad with chips? Yes, please! For a kid, it felt like I was getting away with something. Chips, salad, and taco-flavored beef—all my favorites thrown together.
Even now, this salad brings out that sense of fun. It’s like a dish that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers on flavor and texture. Crunchy Doritos, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and that sweet-tangy Catalina dressing—everything comes together in the best way. And honestly, when I’m craving something more than just a bowl of lettuce, this is my go-to. Have you ever had food that instantly takes you back? Because this is definitely that dish for me.
Why You’ll Love This Doritos Taco Salad Recipe?
Here’s the thing: this isn’t just a “regular” salad. If you’re into bold flavors, a little crunch, and a lot of cheese, you’re gonna love this. First off, the Doritos add that perfect cheesy bite that makes it feel more like a treat than a typical salad. And the taco-seasoned ground beef gives it that warm, comforting flavor. It’s also ridiculously easy to throw together—just cook the beef, chop the veggies, toss, and done! I mean, it’s Doritos in a salad, how could that not be fun?
Ingredients Notes:
Here’s why each ingredient plays a starring role in this Doritos Taco Salad:
- Lean Ground Beef – This gives the salad a hearty base. Seasoned with taco spice, it brings that warm, slightly smoky flavor that makes it feel like a taco and a salad in one.
- Onion – A bit of finely diced onion adds a little bite, balancing the beef. It’s not overwhelming, just enough to keep things interesting.
- Taco Seasoning – Essential for that signature taco taste. It’s amazing how just a little bit can make such a big difference.
- Dark Red Kidney Beans – Soft, filling, and packed with protein, these beans add heartiness and blend so well with the beef and chips.
- Nacho Cheese Doritos – The real MVP here! They add that addictive crunch and cheesy flavor that makes you keep reaching for another bite.
- Romaine Lettuce – Crisp, fresh, and sturdy enough to stand up to all the other ingredients without wilting.
- Tomatoes – Juicy, sweet, and the perfect fresh contrast to the other savory flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Because who doesn’t want a little extra cheese? It adds a creamy texture that melts into the salad.
- Catalina Dressing – Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of creamy. This dressing pulls everything together and adds that nostalgic flavor.
How To Make Doritos Taco Salad?
This salad is all about building layers of flavor. Here’s how to get that perfect bite every time.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onion: Start by heating a skillet over medium. Add the ground beef, diced onion, salt, and pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—about 10 minutes should do it. Then, add 1/4 cup water and the taco seasoning. Stir it up and let it simmer for a minute or two to blend all the flavors. Once done, set it aside to cool just a bit while you work on the rest.
- Build the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, toss together the kidney beans, crushed Doritos, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar. You’re already getting that colorful, crunchy vibe going on. This is the foundation for the best Doritos Taco Salad.
- Add the Meat and Dressing: Top the salad with the seasoned beef, then pour the Catalina dressing over everything. Start with about half a cup, but feel free to add more if you like it saucier. Gently toss everything to combine, making sure the dressing and ingredients are evenly mixed without smashing the Doritos too much.
- Serve Right Away: For the best crunch, serve this salad immediately after tossing. The Doritos are at their peak crispiness, and the flavors are perfectly blended. It’s one of those “better right away” kinds of dishes, so dig in!
Storage Options:
Doritos Taco Salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh. Once the dressing and Doritos are mixed in, they won’t stay crisp for long. If you want to prep in advance, keep the beef, veggies, and dressing separate. Just add the Doritos and toss with dressing when you’re ready to serve. Leftovers? They’re fine for a day, but the chips will soften, so it’s not quite the same. Still tasty, but don’t expect the same crunch.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken – Lighten it up by swapping the beef with ground turkey or chicken. Same flavor, a bit lighter.
- Different Beans – Black beans or pinto beans add a new layer of flavor and texture.
- Spicy Doritos – Use Spicy Nacho or Flamin’ Hot Doritos for an extra kick if you’re into spicy.
- Ranch or Salsa Dressing – Catalina has that classic taste, but ranch or a salsa-based dressing can be fun if you want something different.
- Extra Veggies – Add diced bell peppers, avocado, or corn to bring even more color and flavor.
What to Serve with Doritos Taco Salad?
While this salad stands on its own, here are some tasty add-ons if you’re making a full meal out of it:
- Mexican Rice – A simple side that rounds out the taco flavors and makes the meal more filling.
- Guacamole – Add a scoop on top or on the side for extra creaminess.
- Tortilla Soup – A warm bowl of tortilla soup pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of this salad.
- Chips and Salsa – Because why not? More chips and salsa are always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Doritos Taco Salad ahead of time?
Sort of! You can prep everything separately, storing the beef, veggies, and dressing in the fridge, and then add the Doritos just before serving. This way, everything stays crunchy and fresh.
How should I crush the Doritos without making a mess?
Just throw them in a resealable bag and use your hands or a rolling pin to crush them. It’s fun, and you get a mix of larger pieces and crumbs.
Can I use a different dressing besides Catalina?
Sure! While Catalina gives it that nostalgic flavor, ranch, salsa dressing, or even a chipotle dressing can be fun to try.
So, are you ready to dive into this Doritos Taco Salad? I hope it brings a little joy to your next meal, just like it does for me. Give it a try and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear if you put your own spin on it! Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, tangy bite!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, drained
- 1/2 12-ounce bag nacho cheese-flavored corn chips (such as Doritos®), crushed
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 1/2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese or more to taste
- 1/2 cup Catalina salad dressing or more to taste
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef and Onion:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked and the onions are tender, approximately 10 minutes.
Season the Beef:
- Add 1/4 cup of water and taco seasoning to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef with the seasoning, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Assemble the Salad Base:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the kidney beans, crushed Doritos, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded Cheddar cheese. This forms the base of your salad with a balance of fresh and crunchy ingredients.
Add Beef and Dressing:
- Add the seasoned beef mixture to the salad. Pour in the Catalina dressing, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if desired. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly without breaking the Doritos too much.
Serve Immediately:
- For optimal flavor and texture, serve the Doritos Taco Salad immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the chips.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
