Dorito Taco Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish that blends seasoned ground beef, crisp fresh vegetables, crunchy Doritos, and tangy dressing into the ultimate crowd-pleasing salad. It’s hearty enough for a main meal yet festive enough for potlucks, gatherings, and weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad delivers all the flavors of taco night in a single, easy-to-assemble bowl. The textures—crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory beef, creamy cheese, and crunchy Doritos—create a delicious balance that keeps everyone coming back for more. It’s fast to prepare, customizable, and ideal for feeding a group or preparing ahead.

Ingredients

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

1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
1 packet (about 1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
1 head iceberg lettuce (about 10 oz / 280 g), chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag nacho cheese Doritos (12–13 oz / 340–370 g), lightly crushed into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (240 ml) Catalina dressing
Optional: 1/2 cup (120 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
Optional: 1/2 cup (80 g) corn kernels
Optional: 1/4 cup (40 g) diced red onion

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and add 2–3 tablespoons of water. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the seasoning is absorbed. Let the meat cool slightly.
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheddar, and any optional ingredients you choose.
Add the seasoned beef to the bowl and toss lightly.
Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos and drizzle with Catalina dressing. Toss gently to coat without crushing the chips completely.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.
Use ranch dressing instead of Catalina for a creamy twist.
Add avocado slices for richness and balance.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with seasoned beans or lentils.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad without Doritos or dressing for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Add Doritos and dressing only when ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Reheat leftover meat separately in a skillet or microwave if you prefer it warm before adding it back into fresh salad ingredients.

FAQs

What dressing works best for Dorito Taco Salad?

Catalina dressing is classic, but ranch or a zesty vinaigrette also pair well.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes—prep all ingredients and store them separately. Add chips and dressing right before serving.

Can I use a different type of Doritos?

Absolutely. Cool Ranch or spicy varieties add a fun twist.

How can I make the salad spicier?

Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or use spicy taco seasoning.

Can I make this without meat?

Yes, simply substitute beans or a plant-based crumble.

What cheese works well in this recipe?

Cheddar is traditional, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also taste great.

Can I add avocado?

Yes, avocado adds creaminess and balances the bold flavors.

Will the chips stay crunchy in leftovers?

No—add fresh Doritos when eating leftovers for the best texture.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, it scales easily. Add chips and dressing just before serving.

Is this salad served warm or cold?

It’s typically served cold or at room temperature, with the meat slightly warm if preferred.

Conclusion

Dorito Taco Salad is a fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. With its combination of fresh vegetables, seasoned meat, crunchy chips, and tangy dressing, it brings bold taco-inspired flavor to any meal. Perfect for busy nights or festive gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.