Dorito Taco Salad: A Crunchy & Flavorful Taco-Inspired Salad
This Dorito Taco Salad is a bold, flavorful, and crunchy twist on traditional taco salad! Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, shredded cheese, zesty dressing, and crispy Doritos, this salad is quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Enjoy a delicious blend of textures and flavors in every bite!
Equipment
- ✔ Large Skillet – For cooking the ground beef
- ✔ Wooden Spoon – To stir the beef and seasonings
- ✔ Cutting Board & Knife – For chopping vegetables
- ✔ Mixing Bowl – To toss the salad ingredients
- ✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate seasoning and dressing measurements
Ingredients
- For the Taco Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey/chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced (red, yellow, or green)
- ½ cup black olives sliced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 3 cups Doritos chips crushed (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup Catalina dressing or ranch, Thousand Island, or homemade taco dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 tbsp lime juice for a fresh tangy taste
- Optional Toppings:
- ✔ Sliced avocado or guacamole
- ✔ Fresh cilantro chopped
- ✔ Jalapeños sliced
- ✔ Lime wedges for extra zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until well combined.
- Remove from heat and let the meat cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
- Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large mixing bowl, add chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and black olives.
- Sprinkle in shredded cheese and toss gently to combine.
- Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Add the cooled taco meat over the salad.
- Crush the Doritos slightly and sprinkle them on top of the salad for that signature crunch.
- Step 4: Add Dressing & Serve
- Drizzle Catalina dressing (or preferred dressing) over the salad.
- Toss lightly to mix all the ingredients while keeping the Doritos crispy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with avocado slices, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges for extra flavor!
Notes
✔ For a healthier version, use baked tortilla chips or low-carb chips instead of Doritos.
✔ Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with black beans, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles.
✔ Want it spicier? Use Flamin’ Hot Doritos, extra jalapeños, or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
✔ Best served fresh! To keep the Doritos crunchy, add them just before serving.
✔ Meal Prep Tip: Store ingredients separately and mix just before eating to keep everything fresh.
✔ Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with black beans, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles.
✔ Want it spicier? Use Flamin’ Hot Doritos, extra jalapeños, or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
✔ Best served fresh! To keep the Doritos crunchy, add them just before serving.
✔ Meal Prep Tip: Store ingredients separately and mix just before eating to keep everything fresh.