Spread the love

What Is Doritos Taco Salad?

Doritos Taco Salad is a hearty, layered salad that uses crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos as a flavorful and crunchy base. It’s typically made with seasoned ground beef, chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and onions, and a creamy dressing. The unique twist? The Doritos chips bring an irresistible crunch and cheesy flavor that takes a simple taco salad to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare
Kid-friendly and loved by picky eaters
Full of bold flavors and textures
Perfect for meal prepping or large gatherings
Completely customizable based on what you have on hand

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients typically used in this easy Doritos taco salad recipe:

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or your own blend)
1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 avocado, diced (optional)
1 cup ranch or Catalina dressing
2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

You can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences.

How to Make Doritos Taco Salad

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and a bit of water (according to the packet directions). Simmer until the seasoning is well absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is cooling, wash and chop your lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and any other veggies you’re using. Set them aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, black beans, corn, and avocado. Add the cooled taco meat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 4: Add the Doritos and Dressing

Right before serving, crush the Doritos lightly and sprinkle them over the salad. Drizzle your choice of dressing—ranch or Catalina are both great options.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well mixed. Serve immediately while the Doritos are still crispy.

Expert Tips for the Best Taco Salad

Serve immediately after adding Doritos to keep the crunch.

Advertisements
Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Chill the salad ingredients before assembling for an extra refreshing bite.
Swap the dressing with a spicy chipotle ranch for a smoky kick.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more beans or grilled veggies.
Double the recipe for a party or potluck—it disappears fast!

Customization Ideas

Cheese: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend.
Protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or tofu.
Toppings: Add sliced jalapeños, green onions, or olives.
Dressings: Try avocado-lime dressing, southwest chipotle, or a yogurt-based ranch.
Heat level: Add hot sauce or spicy Doritos for extra fire.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. However, do not add the Doritos or dressing until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the chips will lose their crunch over time. For best results, eat immediately after assembling.

FAQs About Doritos Taco Salad

Can I make Doritos taco salad in advance?
Yes, but keep the Doritos and dressing separate until right before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
What kind of Doritos should I use?
Nacho Cheese is the most popular, but you can use Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or even Flamin’ Hot if you like heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not always. Check your taco seasoning and Doritos package, as some may contain gluten.
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Shredded or grilled chicken works great in this recipe.
What dressing goes best with Doritos taco salad?
Catalina and ranch are popular choices, but feel free to use any creamy or zesty dressing.
How can I keep it healthy?
Use baked chips, low-fat cheese, and a light or yogurt-based dressing. You can also bulk it up with more vegetables.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Use beans or tofu as your protein and vegan cheese and dressing alternatives.
How long does Doritos taco salad last in the fridge?
It’s best eaten fresh. If stored, it can last about 1–2 days, but the chips will get soggy.
Can I serve this warm or cold?
It’s usually served cold or at room temperature, but you can add warm taco meat for contrast.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes, store-bought is convenient. For a homemade version, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
How do I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?
Add them right before serving, and don’t toss the salad until you’re ready to eat.
What other chips can I use besides Doritos?
Tortilla chips, Fritos, or any flavored corn chips can work in a pinch.
Is it okay to add rice or quinoa?
Yes, adding grains can bulk up the salad and make it more filling.
Can I freeze Doritos taco salad?
No, this recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and chips.
What can I serve with Doritos taco salad?
It’s often a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with salsa, guacamole, or a side of fruit for balance.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Doritos Taco Salad Recipe is more than just a fun meal—it’s a flavor-packed dish that brings excitement back to your dinner table. With its crunchy texture, zesty taste, and customizable nature, it’s no wonder this recipe is a go-to for many families. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, prepping for Taco Tuesday, or simply craving something different, this salad is guaranteed to impress.

So grab a bag of Doritos and dive into one of the easiest, tastiest taco salads you’ll ever make. Your taste buds will thank you.

Easy Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

These mouth-watering BBQ Sausage Bites are sweet, smoky, sticky, and irresistibly flavorful — all made with just four simple ingredients. Glazed in rich barbecue sauce with hints of brown sugar and garlic, each bite bursts with juicy, caramelized goodness. Perfect for parties, game nights, or quick snacks, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home with minimal effort. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just yourself, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Party Food

Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound smoked sausage or cocktail sausages beef, pork, or turkey
1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnish:
Chopped parsley green onions, or red chili flakes

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
Slice the Sausages:
Cut larger sausages into 1- to 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces. Cocktail sausages can be used as-is.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Mix well until fully blended.
Combine Sausages and Sauce:
Place the sausage pieces into the prepared dish. Pour the sauce over them and stir gently to coat every piece.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is thickened and sticky and the sausages are caramelized and heated through.
Serve Hot:
Remove from oven, garnish as desired, and serve with toothpicks or in a bowl. Best served warm!