Here’s the classic, crowd-favorite Doritos Taco Salad — crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or a big family dinner. This is the version everyone loves!
🌮 Doritos Taco Salad (Loaded & Crunchy)
Serves 6–8
⭐ Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tbsp homemade)
- 1 large head of lettuce, chopped (romaine or iceberg works best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 can kidney beans or black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup corn (optional)
- 2–3 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- Catalina dressing (traditional), French dressing, or ranch if preferred
- Optional add-ins:
- Sliced black olives
- Avocado
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning + a splash of water.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Let it cool slightly (warm is okay—hot will wilt the salad).
2. Build the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
- Chopped lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Corn
- Red onion
- Cheese
- Optional toppings
3. Add the Doritos
- Lightly crush Doritos and add just before serving so they stay crunchy.
4. Dress It
- Add Catalina dressing (start with ½ cup and add to taste).
- Toss everything together.
- Add more Doritos on top for crunch.
⭐ Tips for the Best Doritos Taco Salad
- Add dressing + Doritos right before serving so nothing gets soggy.
- For meal prep: keep meat, dressing, and chips separate until ready to eat.
- If you like heat, use Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch Doritos.
- Catalina dressing gives the classic tangy flavor, but ranch works for a creamier version.
🌮 Variations
Cool Ranch Version
Use Cool Ranch Doritos + ranch dressing instead of Catalina.
Tex-Mex Protein Boost
Add cooked chicken or mix ½ lb beef + ½ lb chorizo.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and double the beans + corn.
Healthier Version
Use baked Doritos + Greek yogurt ranch dressing.
If you want, I can also give you:
- A party-sized Doritos Taco Salad
- A no-lettuce “walking taco” version
- A Doritos taco casserole
Just tell me!
