Doritos Taco Salad

Bold, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, this Doritos Taco Salad is a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic taco salad. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy dressing, shredded cheese, and of course—crushed nacho cheese Doritos for that signature crunch. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout, potluck, or as a weeknight dinner, this salad brings flavor and fun to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Taco Flavor – Spiced beef, tangy dressing, and cheesy chips in every bite.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – Switch up the meat, add beans, or spice it up.
Party Favorite – Great for gatherings, game day, and casual dinners.
Kid-Friendly – Doritos make salad fun and delicious for all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• ½ cup water
• 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 cups nacho cheese Doritos, lightly crushed

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp taco sauce or salsa
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Jalapeño slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra Doritos for topping
• Hot sauce or extra salsa

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Salad tongs or serving spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, taco sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, beans, corn, and red onion.
Add the cooked taco meat and toss lightly.

Step 4: Add Dressing and Doritos
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Just before serving, fold in the crushed Doritos for that fresh crunch.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Top with avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, or extra chips if desired.
Serve immediately while the chips are still crispy!

Tips for Success
Don’t Add Doritos Too Early – They’ll soften if they sit too long in the dressing.
Let the Meat Cool Slightly – Keeps lettuce crisp and prevents wilting.
Use Fresh Lettuce – Romaine or iceberg offers the best crunch.
Make it Vegetarian – Skip the meat and add more beans or meatless crumbles.
Serve on the Side – For parties, keep ingredients separate for easy assembly.

Serving Suggestions
As a Main Dish – Filling enough to be dinner all on its own.
With Quesadillas or Tacos – A perfect side for any Mexican-inspired meal.
Party Buffet – Let guests build their own version with a toppings bar.
Lunch Prep – Store meat and toppings separately, assemble just before eating.

How to Store

Storing:
If making ahead, store all ingredients separately in airtight containers.
Combine just before serving to maintain crispness.

Leftovers:
Keep leftover dressed salad for up to 1 day, though chips will soften.
Revive by adding fresh chips or extra lettuce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
   Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works great with the same seasoning.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, just keep the dressing and chips separate until serving.
3. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
   Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
4. Is this salad spicy?
   Not inherently, but you can add heat with jalapeños, spicy salsa, or hot sauce.
5. Can I use different Doritos flavors?
   Yes! Try Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or any favorite flavor you like.

Final Thoughts
This Doritos Taco Salad is the kind of recipe that’s impossible not to love—quick to make, full of bold flavors, and irresistibly crunchy. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, dressing up taco night, or just making salad a little more exciting. You get the fun of tacos and the freshness of a salad in every bite.

Make it your own, pile it high, and dig in! Don’t forget to share your Doritos salad creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American Tex-Mex

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – serves 6):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 21g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 620mg

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