Name: Dorito Taco Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; ¼ cup water; 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped); 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; ½ cup red onion (diced); 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 cup corn kernels; 2 cups crushed Doritos; 1 cup Catalina dressing; Juice of 1 lime (optional)

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Introduction

Dorito Taco Salad is one of those fun, flavorful recipes that makes everyone at the table happy. Think about everything you love in a taco—seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cheese, beans, and corn—then toss it together in a big bowl with the irresistible crunch of Doritos. Suddenly, you’ve got a dish that’s part salad, part comfort food, and all-around delicious.

I remember the first time I had this salad. It was at a summer cookout, and someone showed up with a giant bowl filled with taco-seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and bright orange crushed Doritos on top. Within minutes, everyone was digging in, and the bowl was scraped clean. That’s when I realized this recipe wasn’t just tasty—it was a crowd-pleaser.

The great thing about Dorito Taco Salad is how flexible it is. You can make it as light or hearty as you like, use Catalina dressing for a sweet tang or ranch for creaminess, and swap out proteins if you prefer turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option. Best of all, it’s quick: just 25 minutes from start to finish.

For a complete Tex-Mex dinner, you can serve this salad alongside a warm side dish like Homemade Tomato Sauce Pasta or balance it with something fresh and creamy like Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad. Either way, this salad is bound to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients – Dorito Taco Salad

For the Salad

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
¼ cup water
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup red onion, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
2 cups crushed Doritos (nacho cheese flavor)

For the Dressing

1 cup Catalina dressing (or ranch dressing)
Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Directions – Dorito Taco Salad

Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer for 2–3 minutes, and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced red onion, black beans, and corn. Toss gently until mixed.
Add Beef & Doritos
Stir the cooled, seasoned beef into the salad mixture. Just before serving, sprinkle in crushed Doritos and fold gently to keep their crunch.
Dress the Salad
Pour Catalina dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. For a zesty kick, squeeze fresh lime juice on top.
Serve & Enjoy
Dish up immediately while the Doritos are still crispy.

Tips & Variations

Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Cheese choices: Pepper Jack adds heat, while Monterey Jack gives creaminess.
Make it spicier: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use Spicy Nacho Doritos.
Meal prep trick: Keep Doritos and dressing separate until serving.
Pairing idea: For a Tex-Mex feast, try this salad with Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs on the side.

Storage

Fridge: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers (without Doritos) can last up to 2 days.
Make ahead: Prep the salad base and beef ahead of time. Add Doritos and dressing right before serving.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Tools Used

Large salad bowl
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Cutting board & knife

Final Thoughts

This Dorito Taco Salad is proof that salads don’t have to be boring. It’s colorful, crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Every bite brings together the freshness of veggies, the savoriness of taco meat, and the playful crunch of Doritos.

It’s a dish that works anywhere: as a weeknight dinner, a party potluck, or even a fun game-day snack. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your family’s tastes.

If you’re looking for more Tex-Mex dinner inspiration, check out these creative taco salad variations on Delish—you’ll find plenty of fun twists to keep this classic fresh.