Easy Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that practically bursts with flavor and crunch, look no further than this Easy Doritos Taco Salad! It’s the ultimate Tex-Mex salad—zesty ground beef, crisp veggies, creamy cheese, and, of course, a generous handful of bold, cheesy Doritos, all tossed in a tangy homemade Catalina dressing. You’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation for quick dinners, game nights, or potlucks with friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Doritos Taco Salad is chosen with purpose—from juicy ground beef and creamy cheese to sweet corn and zesty homemade Catalina salad dressing, each one adds a different pop of flavor, color, or texture. Don’t worry—everything is easy to find and even easier to use!

• Red wine vinegar: Gives the Catalina dressing a subtle tang and brightness.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a silky dressing.
• Ketchup: Brings a little bit of sweetness and classic flavor to the dressing base.
• Honey: Naturally sweetens and balances the zip in the dressing—adjust to taste!
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory depth that makes the salad dressing irresistible.
• Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: Give the homemade dressing warmth and complexity without being overpowering.
• Ground beef or turkey: The hearty, protein-packed foundation—choose lean for a lighter salad or turkey for an even healthier twist.
• Taco seasoning: Makes the meat super flavorful and deeply seasoned.
• Chopped lettuce (iceberg or romaine): The crisp, refreshing canvas for all those toppings.
• Green bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and a gentle peppery crunch with every bite.
• Black olives: Salty, rich, and the perfect addition for instant taco salad vibes.
• Grape or cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance all the savory notes.
• Canned corn: Adds a bright, sweet pop—try blackening it for extra depth!
• Canned black beans: Bring protein and creamy texture, plus a beautiful dark contrast.
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melty, savory, and perfect for bringing it all together—use your favorite or a mix!
• Nacho cheese Doritos: The signature ingredient that makes this salad an absolute standout; don’t be shy about adding extra!

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this Easy Doritos Taco Salad your own! This recipe is incredibly flexible, so you can play with flavors, swap in ingredients you have on hand, or adapt it for different diets without losing any of the deliciousness.

• Try a different Doritos flavor: Cool Ranch Doritos make a zesty swap, or pick any variety you love for a new spin!
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground meat and double up on beans, corn, and veggies for a hearty, meat-free version.
• Change up the greens: Use baby spinach, mixed greens, or shredded cabbage instead of iceberg or romaine for extra nutrients and texture.
• Switch the dressing: Ranch, French, or creamy chipotle dressings are all delicious if you want a new flavor profile.
• Add more veggies or toppings: Toss in diced avocado, jalapeños, red onion, or even a handful of cilantro for extra punch.

How to Make Easy Doritos Taco Salad

Step 1: Mix the Catalina Salad Dressing

Grab a mason jar (or any jar with a tight-fitting lid) and add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Screw the lid on tightly and give it a really good shake until everything is well combined. Pop the dressing in the fridge so those flavors meld while you prep the salad. Trust me—the homemade dressing makes this Easy Doritos Taco Salad sing!

Step 2: Cook and Season the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef (or turkey) until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. Once browned, drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes to soak up those irresistible taco flavors. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 10–15 minutes—you don’t want hot meat to wilt your lettuce!

Step 3: Build the Salad

While the meat cools, fill a big serving bowl with your chopped lettuce. Layer on the green bell pepper, black olives, grape or cherry tomatoes, drained corn, rinsed black beans, and a generous cup of shredded cheese. Once the taco meat is just warm (not hot), scatter it over the veggies—now you’re ready for the irresistible toppings.

Step 4: Finish with Doritos & Dressing

Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed nacho cheese Doritos over the salad, then drizzle on as much of your homemade Catalina dressing as you like. Gently toss everything so that the dressing coats every piece and every bite gets a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold taco flavor!

How to Serve Easy Doritos Taco Salad

Garnishes

Top your Easy Doritos Taco Salad with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, extra cheese, or even a spoonful of sour cream for a creamy finish. A wedge of lime alongside adds a bright, citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the bold taco flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it also shines with simple sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh fruit platter. Chips and mild salsa or guacamole are always welcome for a real Tex-Mex dinner spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the salad in a clear trifle bowl for a party-worthy presentation—or serve it “taco bar” style with all the toppings on the side, so everyone can build their own. Mini versions in individual mason jars are a perfect grab-and-go option for picnics or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you think you’ll have leftovers, keep the Doritos and dressing separate from the rest of the salad. Store the undressed salad and cooled meat in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days; add fresh chips and dressing just before enjoying again.

Freezing

While the assembled salad doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the seasoned meat for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, store in an airtight bag or container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

Reheat the taco meat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add to your cold salad ingredients, then toss with Doritos and dressing right before serving—instant “just made” freshness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall head over heels for Easy Doritos Taco Salad—there’s just something magical about crunchy chips, savory taco flavors, and all those colorful, fresh toppings. If you’re ready for a fun, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is irresistible, give it a try and make it your own. I can’t wait for you and your family to dig in and see why this salad is such a favorite at my table!

Easy Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

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• Author: Villerius
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of a classic taco in a refreshing salad form. With a zesty Catalina dressing and the irresistible crunch of nacho cheese Doritos, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Catalina Salad Dressing

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2–3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Doritos Taco Salad

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning or a packet of taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 large head of iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped black olives
• 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups crushed nacho cheese Doritos

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Instructions

1. Catalina Salad Dressing: In a mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire Sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Shake well to combine. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Doritos Taco Salad: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes. Let the meat mixture cool for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
3. Assembly: In a large bowl, add iceberg lettuce. Top with green pepper, black olives, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheddar jack cheese, and seasoned cooked beef. Right before serving, add crushed Doritos and desired amount of dressing. Toss to coat.

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Notes

• Let the taco meat cool a bit before adding it. You don’t want it to wilt your lettuce!
• For added flavor, blacken your corn!
• This salad is equally delicious with French dressing or ranch dressing.
• You can substitute cool ranch Doritos for nacho cheese Doritos.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 60mg