Name: Dorito Taco Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed; 1/2 cup Catalina or ranch dressing; Optional toppings: sliced olives, diced red onion, black beans, sour cream, jalapeños

Dorito Taco Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on traditional taco salad, combining the satisfying crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and creamy dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser and the perfect dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Dorito Taco Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this salad is to throw together, and it’s always a hit. The Doritos add an irresistible cheesy crunch, while the ground beef and taco seasoning bring in all the savory flavor I expect from a taco. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, and it’s completely customizable based on what I have on hand. Whether I want something quick or need to feed a crowd, this recipe never lets me down.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Taco seasoning
Iceberg lettuce, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Shredded cheddar cheese
Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
Catalina or ranch dressing
Optional toppings: sliced olives, diced red onion, black beans, sour cream, jalapeños

Directions

I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked, then drain the excess grease.
I stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water, simmering until the meat is well coated and flavorful.
In a large bowl, I combine the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
I add the seasoned beef to the bowl and toss everything together.
Just before serving, I add the crushed Doritos and drizzle with Catalina or ranch dressing, tossing gently to coat.
I top with any optional ingredients I like and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in just 20 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken. I’ve also used different types of Doritos like Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho for a twist. When I want to make it vegetarian, I replace the meat with seasoned black beans or lentils. I also enjoy adding avocado or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but I always keep the Doritos separate to prevent them from getting soggy. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if I need to reheat the meat, I warm it up separately and toss it with the salad when ready to eat. Leftovers keep well for about 2 days.

FAQs

How can I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?

I always add the Doritos just before serving. If I’m making it ahead, I wait until the last minute to mix them in.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, I often switch between Catalina and ranch, but French or chipotle dressings also work great.

Is this salad spicy?

Not unless I add spicy taco seasoning or jalapeños. I can always adjust the heat level depending on my preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare all the ingredients and keep them separate. I assemble everything just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

I set it up buffet-style with all the ingredients in separate bowls, letting everyone build their own salad with the toppings and amount of Doritos they like.

Conclusion

Dorito Taco Salad is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s fast, fun, and full of flavor. Whether I’m feeding my family or hosting a gathering, it’s a dish that always gets compliments. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s a winning meal I can make anytime.