Doritos Taco Salad

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If there’s one dish that brings a guaranteed smile to the table, it’s this Doritos Taco Salad. I first made it for a summer potluck years ago, and not a single bite was left by the end of the night. Since then, it’s been my go-to when I need something bold, colorful, and satisfying without much effort. This salad has everything I love: crispy lettuce, seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and of course, those crunchy, flavor-packed Doritos. It’s like taco night in a bowl — no shell needed.

What makes this salad so special is the way the flavors and textures work together. The cool, crisp vegetables balance out the warmth of the beef, while the creamy dressing ties everything together. And let’s not forget the crunch — between the lettuce and the Doritos, every bite is a party. Whether it’s for a casual dinner, a BBQ, or game night, this Doritos Taco Salad is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Doritos Taco Salad

• It’s incredibly easy to throw together, especially if you’re short on time.
• The flavors are bold, zesty, and totally crave-worthy.
• It’s flexible — great for feeding a crowd or just a cozy dinner.
• You can make it ahead and toss it just before serving for a stress-free meal.
• It’s a clever way to get picky eaters excited about salad.

What Kind of Doritos Should I Use?

I like to stick with the classic Nacho Cheese Doritos for that familiar, cheesy kick. But don’t feel limited — Cool Ranch adds a fun twist, and Spicy Sweet Chili brings a little heat. Choose what you love or even mix two kinds together for extra depth. The key is to add them just before serving to keep that irresistible crunch.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super adaptable depending on your taste or what you have on hand:

• Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, grilled chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese: Try pepper jack or a Mexican blend if you want something with more zing.
• Dressing: Catalina is traditional, but ranch or a zesty southwest dressing works well too.
• Chips: No Doritos? Try tortilla chips or even spicy corn chips for a different crunch.
• Veggies: Add avocado, black olives, or corn for extra flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for This Doritos Taco Salad

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the salad, seasoned to perfection with taco spices for rich, savory flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds all the essential Mexican-inspired spices—think cumin, paprika, garlic, and chili powder.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it gives the salad its satisfying crunch and freshness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the salty and spicy elements.
• Red Onion: Offers a mild bite and sharp contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp, and perfect for tying everything together with creamy goodness.
• Nacho Cheese Doritos: The signature crunch and bold cheesy flavor that makes this salad unforgettable.
• Catalina Dressing: Sweet and tangy, it complements the taco spices and Doritos beautifully.

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

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Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Add a splash of water (around 1/4 cup) and stir to coat the meat evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

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Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

While the beef is cooling, wash and chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Place all the veggies into a large salad bowl.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Meat

Once the beef has cooled to warm or room temperature, add it to the salad bowl. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and gently toss to combine everything.

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Step 5: Crush and Add Doritos

Just before serving, take a couple of generous handfuls of Nacho Cheese Doritos and crush them slightly in your hands. Add them to the salad bowl and give it a light toss to mix.

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Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing

Pour Catalina dressing over the salad to taste (start with about 1/2 cup and adjust as needed). Toss the salad gently to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately while the Doritos are still crunchy.

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How Long to Prepare the Doritos Taco Salad

Prep Time: Most of your prep time will go into washing and chopping vegetables, shredding cheese (if not using pre-shredded), and browning the meat. You’re looking at about 15–20 minutes total.

Cooking Time: The actual cooking part—browning the beef and seasoning it—takes around 8–10 minutes. If you prep everything else while the beef cooks, it all comes together very quickly. Total time from start to table is about 25–30 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Doritos Taco Salad

• Let the cooked meat cool slightly before adding it to the salad to avoid wilting the lettuce.
• Don’t overdress! Start light with the Catalina dressing, then add more if needed.
• Add the Doritos last minute to keep them crispy.
• Want extra creaminess? Add a dollop of sour cream or mashed avocado.
• Make it a meal-prep lunch: pack the meat and dressing separately, and combine everything just before eating.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the beef: Dry beef can make the salad less enjoyable. Cook just until browned.
• Using too much dressing: It can make everything soggy.
• Adding Doritos too early: They’ll lose their crunch quickly. Toss them in only when ready to serve.
• Skipping the seasoning: Taco seasoning is the heart of the flavor. Don’t go light!
• Serving hot beef: Let it cool a bit or it’ll steam the lettuce and turn it limp.

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What to Serve With Doritos Taco Salad?

1. Mexican Street Corn

Sweet, creamy, and spicy – it’s a perfect companion.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Light and citrusy, balances the richness of the salad.

3. Guacamole and Chips

A great pre-salad nibble or side for extra avocado goodness.

4. Black Bean Soup

A warm and hearty pairing for cooler days.

5. Fruit Salad with Chili-Lime Seasoning

Bright and fresh with a zesty twist — amazing contrast to the savory taco salad.

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Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers: If you’ve already tossed the salad with dressing and Doritos, it’s best eaten the same day. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day — the chips will lose crunch, but it’ll still taste great.

Make-Ahead Tip: To prepare ahead, keep components separate: cooked meat, chopped veggies, cheese, and dressing should all be stored individually. Combine everything just before serving.

Freezing: Not recommended. The textures don’t hold up well when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 670mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Doritos Taco Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just keep the components separate and toss them together right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What dressing works best besides Catalina?

Ranch, southwest ranch, or even French dressing are great alternatives that work beautifully with the other flavors.

Is this salad spicy?

Not particularly, but you can make it spicier with hot taco seasoning or jalapeños.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Once mixed, it’s best within a day. Without the dressing and chips added, components last 3–4 days.

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Conclusion

Doritos Taco Salad is one of those meals that hits every craving — salty, crunchy, fresh, and savory all at once. It’s a fun, family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and always disappears fast. Whether you’re throwing it together for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a party, this salad brings bold flavors and zero fuss. Just don’t forget the crunch — it’s the Doritos that take this taco salad from good to unforgettable.

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