Delicious Dorito Taco Salad
Our Delicious Dorito Taco Salad combines the best of taco flavors with the fun crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos! With seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving bold flavors and hearty textures.
I absolutely love salads, but they can sometimes feel a bit repetitive. This Dorito Taco Salad is the perfect way to break out of the usual salad routine! It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with bold flavors and a delicious crunch that takes it to the next level.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients for making Delicious Dorito Taco Salad
- 1 large bag of Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips, lightly crushed (not too fine)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 head of lettuce, shredded
- 6 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 2 cups ranch dressing
Instructions for making Delicious Dorito Taco Salad
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet, crumble and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Season and Add Dressings
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring to coat.
- Add Italian dressing and ranch dressing, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred the lettuce, chop the tomatoes, and dice the red onion.
- Place each vegetable in a separate bowl for easy serving and customization.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, combine the seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and shredded cheese.
- Add the crushed Dorito chips just before serving to retain their crunch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Delicious Dorito Taco Salad with additional Italian or ranch dressing on the side, allowing each person to customize their serving.
Note: For a fresher salad, keep ingredients separate and let each person assemble their own plate. This also helps preserve leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Dorito Taco Salad
- Add Doritos Last: Add the Doritos just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.
- Flavor Customization: Feel free to use Cool Ranch Doritos for a different flavor twist.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or seasoned soy crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Avoid Soggy Chips: For best results, keep the Doritos separate and add fresh chips when you’re ready to serve.
- Reheating: Warm the ground beef mixture separately before adding to the salad for a fresh taste.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair this Dorito Taco Salad with a classic margarita, fruit-infused water, or a cold Mexican beer for a refreshing meal. For a complete meal, serve alongside Mexican-inspired dishes like guacamole, salsa, or quesadillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Dorito Taco Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients and store them separately. When ready to serve, combine them and add the Doritos last for maximum crunch.
What other toppings work well in Dorito Taco Salad?
Feel free to add black beans, corn, olives, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
How can I make this salad healthier?
Opt for baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos, use lean ground turkey, and reduce the amount of cheese or dressing.
Can I use another type of chip instead of Doritos?
Yes! Tortilla chips or even Cool Ranch Doritos work well for different flavor profiles.
Is there a vegetarian option for Dorito Taco Salad?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based crumbles for a tasty vegetarian version.
Why You’ll Love This Dorito Taco Salad
- Bold Flavor: Each bite is packed with savory taco flavor and the irresistible crunch of Doritos.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit individual tastes with different toppings or dressings.
This Delicious Dorito Taco Saladd is sure to be a hit! It’s delicious, versatile, and brings together the fun flavors of tacos with the crunch of Doritos, making it a memorable and crowd-pleasing dish.
Delicious Dorito Taco Salad
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Large serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
- 1 head Romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn drained
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 cup Catalina or ranch dressing
- 3 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos slightly crushed
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the meat is well-seasoned and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, and diced red onion. Toss lightly to mix.
- Add the Ground Beef
- Once the seasoned ground beef has cooled slightly, add it to the salad mixture in the bowl.
- Add the Dressing and Doritos
- Pour the Catalina or ranch dressing over the salad ingredients, then add the crushed Doritos. Gently toss until all ingredients are well coated and evenly distributed.
- Serve and Garnish
- Top with optional ingredients like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and color. Serve immediately to maintain the crunch of the Doritos.
Video
Notes
- For a healthier option, use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos or use low-fat cheese and dressing.
- If not serving immediately, wait to add the Doritos and dressing until just before serving to keep the chips crunchy.
- This salad can be customized with additional toppings like bell peppers, green onions, or diced cucumbers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day, but the chips may lose some of their crunch.