Let’s be honest—salad doesn’t always get the spotlight at potlucks or family dinners. But this Doritos Taco Salad? Total game changer. It’s crunchy, zesty, cheesy, and packed with enough bold flavors to win over even the pickiest eaters (yes, even the ones who usually scoff at anything green). This isn’t your average leafy bowl—this is a party in a salad bowl.
With its combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a satisfying Doritos crunch, this easy taco salad recipe is made to impress. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say, “Who brought the salad?”
Why You’ll Love This Doritos Taco Salad
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing salad—colorful, fun, and filling.
- Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Great for potlucks, barbecues, or a no-fuss dinner.
- That tangy Catalina dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup (160ml) water (or per seasoning packet instructions)
- 10.5 oz (300g) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 15.5 oz (440g) can of kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 head Romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded (approx. 200g)
- 7 oz (200g) block cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced (approx. 300g)
- 8 oz (225g) container of sour cream
- 8 oz (240ml) bottle Catalina or French dressing (or to taste)
How to Make Doritos Taco Salad
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain the excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the liquid has reduced and the beef is well-coated. Let it cool slightly.
- Lightly crush Doritos and place them into a large serving bowl.
- Add the taco-seasoned beef, then toss in the beans, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes.
- Drizzle with Catalina or French dressing and gently mix everything.
- Serve each portion with a generous spoonful of sour cream.
Tips to Elevate Your Taco Salad with Doritos
- Don’t add the dressing or crushed Doritos until just before serving—this keeps everything crisp.
- Swap out beef for ground turkey or a meatless crumble for a lighter twist.
- Prefer spicier? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it a meal prep star by keeping components separate until you’re ready to eat.
- Use Romaine for extra crunch or iceberg for that classic diner-style salad feel.
A Family Favorite with a Crunchy Twist
This dish first made its way into our family gatherings thanks to Aunt Linda, who always had a knack for making something simple feel special. She’d walk in with her big red bowl and within minutes—poof!—it was gone. Now it’s a staple at my house too, especially when the kids have friends over. It’s colorful, fun, and somehow feels a little rebellious (chips in salad? yes, please!).
Perfect Pairings for Your Taco Salad
This salad stands strong on its own, but plays well with others too. Try it alongside grilled corn on the cob, a refreshing cucumber-lime agua fresca, or a big batch of homemade guac and chips. Want to bulk it up? Serve with warm flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells and let everyone build their own meal.
How to Store Leftovers
If you think you’ll have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store components separately. Keep the beef, veggies, and cheese in individual containers, and only crush and add Doritos when you’re ready to eat. Store dressing and sour cream in small jars to prevent sogginess. Everything will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQs About Doritos Taco Salad
Can I make Doritos Taco Salad ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the wet ingredients and chips separate until serving.
Can I substitute the Catalina dressing?
Absolutely! French, Ranch, or even a spicy chipotle dressing works great.
What type of Doritos should I use?
Nacho Cheese is classic, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili can mix things up.
Final Crunch: Why This Salad’s a Keeper
There’s something magical about a salad that feels indulgent. This Doritos Taco Salad brings together texture, flavor, and a little nostalgia all in one big bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel like a celebration—even on a random Tuesday night. Whether you’re hosting or just hungry, grab that bag of Doritos and get tossing.
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Doritos Taco Salad: Your New Favorite Crowd-Pleaser
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Doritos Taco Salad is a bold, crunchy, and flavorful dish that turns an ordinary salad into the life of the party. Packed with seasoned beef, cheese, fresh veggies, and crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, it’s a guaranteed hit for potlucks, family dinners, and casual weeknights alike.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning
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2/3 cup (160ml) water (per packet instructions)
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10.5 oz (300g) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
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15.5 oz (440g) can kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
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1/2 head Romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded (approx. 200g)
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7 oz (200g) cheddar cheese, shredded
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3 medium tomatoes, diced (approx. 300g)
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8 oz (225g) sour cream
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8 oz (240ml) Catalina or French dressing
Instructions
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Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
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Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened, then cool slightly.
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Crush Doritos and place them in a large serving bowl.
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Add beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
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Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
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Serve with a dollop of sour cream on each portion.
Notes
Add dressing and Doritos just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Customize with jalapeños, avocado, corn, or bell peppers.
Can be made vegetarian with meatless crumbles.
Store components separately to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop, Tossed
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex