When the summer sun is blazing and you need a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshingly light, this Easy Dorito Taco Salad Recipe is your answer. Imagine all the best parts of taco night—seasoned beef, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes—tossed into a big, colorful bowl with creamy dressing and the irresistible crunch of nacho cheese Doritos.
It’s not just a salad. It’s a celebration in a bowl—a mashup of Tex-Mex comfort food and picnic-ready freshness that’s perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or potluck parties.
This recipe is one of those rare finds that checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, you can whip it up in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Dorito Taco Salad
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes—less time than it takes to order takeout.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep components in advance and toss together just before serving.
- Perfect for Summer: Cool, crisp veggies meet savory taco goodness.
- Customizable: Switch up the protein, try different chips, or play with the dressing for endless variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned corn, drained (optional)
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prep the Veggies
While the beef cools, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If using, rinse and drain the corn and black beans.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing with sour cream or ranch until smooth. This creates a tangy, creamy dressing that coats every bite perfectly.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, cooked taco meat, tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar, corn, and beans. Toss gently to mix.
5. Add the Crunch & Cream
Right before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top. Pour on the dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. Serve Immediately
Enjoy right away while the chips are still crisp and the dressing is fresh.
Pro Tips for the Best Dorito Taco Salad
- Crunch Control: Add Doritos just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
- Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Cheese Options: Pepper jack adds extra spice, or use a Mexican blend for a creamier melt.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne to the taco meat.
- Meal Prep Tip: Cook the taco meat ahead of time and refrigerate. Assemble salad just before eating.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a full meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
- Mexican street corn (elote) for extra summer flair
- A cold pitcher of agua fresca or margaritas for adults
Storage & Leftovers
Dorito Taco Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store undressed components separately for meal prep:
- Cooked taco meat: Up to 3 days in the fridge
- Chopped veggies: Up to 2 days in an airtight container
- Dressing: Up to 1 week refrigerated
- Doritos: Keep sealed at room temperature
Note: Once dressed and mixed with chips, the salad will lose its crunch within a couple of hours.
Why Catalina Dressing Works So Well
The tangy sweetness of Catalina dressing balances the salty, savory taco meat and the bold, cheesy Doritos. When combined with sour cream or ranch, you get a creamy texture that clings to every ingredient. It’s the magic that ties this whole salad together.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use meatless crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Q: Can I substitute the Doritos?
A: Yes—try Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or even regular tortilla chips if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q: Is there a healthier dressing option?
A: Swap Catalina for salsa mixed with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
External Links for Inspiration
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
- How to Make the Perfect Summer Salad
- 10 Variations of Taco Salad to Try
- Tex-Mex Cooking Tips & Tricks
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned corn drained (optional)
- 1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup Nacho Cheese Doritos crushed (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prep the Veggies:
- While the beef cools, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If using, rinse and drain the corn and black beans.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing with sour cream or ranch until smooth. This creates a tangy, creamy dressing that coats every bite perfectly.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, cooked taco meat, tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar, corn, and beans. Toss gently to mix.
Add the Crunch & Cream:
- Right before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top. Pour on the dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy right away while the chips are still crisp and the dressing is fresh.
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