Last summer at a neighborhood potluck, I watched everyone gravitate toward one dish while everything else barely got touched. It was this colorful taco salad that disappeared so fast I didn’t even get to try it. I tracked down the woman who brought it and practically begged for the recipe.
Turns out it’s ridiculously simple but absolutely genius. The secret ingredient? Crushed up Doritos mixed right into the salad. I thought she was joking at first, but those chips add this incredible crunch and flavor that makes the whole thing addictive.
Now I make this salad at least twice a month because it’s become our family’s go-to dinner when nobody can agree on what to eat. Even my picky eater gobbles it up, and that’s saying something since he usually won’t touch anything green.
Recipe Tips for Success
Don’t add the Doritos until right before serving. They’ll get soggy if they sit too long in the dressing, and nobody wants mushy chips in their salad.
Let your ground beef cool completely before adding it to the salad. Hot meat will wilt your lettuce and make everything warm and gross.
Use lean ground beef so you don’t have a greasy mess. Drain it really well after cooking and pat it with paper towels if needed.
Crush the Doritos by hand into bite-sized pieces. Don’t pulverize them into dust, but don’t leave huge chunks either. You want them big enough to give crunch but small enough to get on your fork easily.
What You’ll Need
This salad uses super basic ingredients that most people already have on hand.
Lean ground beef gives you the protein and that classic taco flavor when mixed with seasoning. Iceberg lettuce stays crisp and doesn’t get wilted like other greens.
Nacho cheese Doritos are the star here. Don’t substitute regular tortilla chips because they won’t give you that same cheesy, tangy flavor that makes this salad special.
Catalina dressing might seem like an odd choice, but it’s perfect here. The sweet and tangy flavor complements the chips and taco seasoning perfectly.
Ingredient FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works great and makes the salad a little lighter. Just season it the same way you would the beef.
What if I can’t find Catalina dressing?
French dressing is the closest substitute. You could also try Thousand Island, but the flavor will be different.
Can I use bagged lettuce mix?
Iceberg really is best here because it stays crunchy. Other greens tend to get wilted by the dressing and warm beef.
Do I have to use nacho cheese Doritos?
They work best, but cool ranch or spicy nacho could be interesting alternatives. Just stick with Doritos brand for the right flavor and crunch.
How to Make Easy Dorito Taco Salad – Step by Step
1. Cook the ground beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
2. Brown and drain
Cook until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain off any grease and set the meat aside to cool completely.
3. Prep your lettuce
While the meat cools, chop your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Put it in a large serving bowl.
4. Add the tomatoes
Dice your tomato and add it to the bowl with the lettuce. Make sure to remove any seeds if your tomato is really juicy.
5. Mix in the cooled beef
Once the ground beef is completely cool, add it to the bowl with the lettuce and tomatoes.
6. Add chips and dressing
Right before serving, crush the Doritos into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad. Pour in the Catalina dressing and toss everything together well.
7. Serve immediately
Top with dollops of sour cream and guacamole if you’re using them, and serve right away while the chips are still crunchy.
Variations to Try
This basic recipe is perfect for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
Try different Dorito flavors like spicy nacho or cool ranch for a twist. You could also mix two different flavors for more complexity.
Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables and color. Shredded cheese is always a good addition too.
For a lighter version, skip the ground beef and add grilled chicken strips or even just extra beans for protein.
Make it spicier by using hot taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños to the mix.
Storage and Freezing
This salad is really best eaten right after you make it because the chips get soggy quickly. If you need to prep ahead, keep all the components separate.
You can cook the ground beef and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.
Don’t try to freeze this salad. The lettuce and tomatoes won’t survive freezing, and the chips will lose all their crunch.
Leftover salad doesn’t keep well because the chips get mushy, but you can save the leftover meat for tacos or nachos.
Can I Make Substitutions?
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure, just skip the ground beef and add extra beans or grilled vegetables. You might want to add some shredded cheese for extra protein.
What about using different lettuce?
Iceberg really is the best choice here because it stays crisp. Romaine could work in a pinch, but avoid delicate greens like spinach or mixed greens.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely. Use about 2 tablespoons of your homemade blend, or season the meat with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder to taste.
What if I don’t like Catalina dressing?
Ranch dressing works well too, though it changes the flavor profile completely. You could also try a lime vinaigrette for something lighter.
Exact Measurements
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 lb. Lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp. Taco seasoning
- 1 Medium iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 Large tomato diced
- 1-2 C. Nacho cheese Doritos chips
- 1 C. Catalina dressing
- Sour cream and guacamole for garnish if desired
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I make this?
The components can be prepped separately a day ahead, but don’t assemble the salad until right before serving or the chips will get soggy.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it doubles easily. Just make sure you have a big enough bowl to toss everything together properly.
What if my family doesn’t like spicy food?
Use mild taco seasoning and stick with regular nacho cheese Doritos rather than the spicy varieties. This keeps it kid-friendly.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy at a potluck?
Bring the crushed chips in a separate bag and have people add them to their own portions, or add them to the salad right before serving.
