Doritos Taco Salad is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, and the irresistible crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)

1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped

1–2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

1/2 cup black beans or corn (optional)

1/2 red onion, diced

Sliced jalapeños, avocado, or olives (optional but amazing)

Dressing:

1/2 cup ranch or Catalina dressing (both work—ranch = creamy, Catalina = tangy-sweet)

Optional: a squeeze of lime or hot sauce in the dressing

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the beef: Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer until it becomes saucy and flavorful.

Build the salad base: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, shredded cheese, and black beans or corn if using. Add any optional extras like jalapeños or avocado at this stage.

Add beef + Doritos: Let the cooked beef cool slightly before adding it to the salad. Then sprinkle in the crushed Doritos last to keep their crisp texture.

Dress it up: Drizzle the ranch or Catalina dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without crushing the chips.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes roughly 20-25 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it a great option for a quick meal or last-minute gathering.

Variations

Make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.

Swap the Doritos flavor—try cool ranch for a twist or spicy nacho for extra heat.

Add sour cream or guacamole on top for extra creaminess.

Create individual jar salads for meal prep or parties, layering ingredients separately to keep everything fresh.

Upgrade the beef with extra spices or diced peppers for a spicier kick.

Storage/reheating

If I’m prepping ahead, I keep the cooked meat, chips, and dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Store the beef and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The Doritos should be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature. Reheat the beef gently in the microwave or on the stove before adding to the salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but I recommend storing the components separately—meat, veggies, Doritos, and dressing—and assembling just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make a simple mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This way, I control the flavors and spice level exactly how I like it.

Can I use a different kind of chips?

Absolutely! While Nacho Cheese Doritos are classic, I’ve also enjoyed using plain tortilla chips, Cool Ranch Doritos, or even spicy Flamin’ Hot ones for a unique twist.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it’s important to check the taco seasoning and Doritos packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

How can I make this healthier?

I often swap ground beef for ground turkey or lean chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers. Using a lighter dressing or homemade vinaigrette also helps reduce calories.

Conclusion

I find the Doritos Taco Salad to be a perfect blend of easy prep, bold flavors, and satisfying crunch. Whether I’m feeding a family, hosting friends, or just looking for a fun twist on taco night, this salad never disappoints. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s so flexible and delicious every time.

Recipe:

Doritos Taco Salad

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Doritos Taco Salad is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, and crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party.

Instructions

Cook the beef: Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let simmer until saucy and flavorful.
Build the salad base: In a large bowl, toss together chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, shredded cheese, and black beans or corn if using.
Add optional extras like jalapeños or avocado if desired.
Let the cooked beef cool slightly, then add it to the salad.
Sprinkle crushed Doritos on top last to keep them crisp.
Drizzle ranch or Catalina dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat evenly without crushing the chips.