Doritos Taco Salad

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Craving something bold, crunchy, and packed with flavor that still keeps things fresh? Doritos Taco Salad delivers all that and more. This dish is the ultimate potluck pleaser, combining the hearty satisfaction of seasoned beef with the crisp coolness of salad greens—topped off by the irresistible crunch of nacho cheese Doritos.

Doritos Taco Salad walks the perfect line between comfort food and a lighter bite. It’s flexible enough to serve at a casual game night, make-ahead for busy weeknights, or scale up for a party. Whether you’re serving it as a main or side, it always disappears fast.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish a breeze, having the right kitchen tools will save you time and keep cleanup minimal:

• Large Skillet – For browning and seasoning the ground beef. Non-stick is ideal for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Mixing Bowls – One large for tossing the salad, and another small one for combining dressings if needed.
• Salad Spinner – Keeps your lettuce crisp and dry. Soggy greens are a taco salad no-no.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Essential for chopping veggies like tomatoes and onions cleanly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Best for breaking up beef and stirring as it cooks.
• Tongs – Helpful for gently tossing the salad ingredients together without crushing the chips.

Having these on hand ensures each layer—from the sizzling beef to the crisp lettuce and crushed Doritos—is handled just right.

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Ingredients for the Doritos Taco Salad

• Ground Beef – The flavorful protein base, seasoned with taco spices, adds depth and warmth to the salad.
• Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce – Crisp, fresh, and sturdy enough to hold up against warm beef and crunchy toppings.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the richness of the meat and chips.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melty and sharp, it ties the flavors together.
• Nacho Cheese Doritos – The star of the show. Their crunch and seasoning bring that irresistible taco twist.
• Sour Cream or Ranch Dressing – Creamy contrast that cools down the spice and adds cohesion.
• Red Onion (optional) – Adds a pop of sharpness if you like a bit more edge.
• Taco Seasoning – For seasoning the beef to classic taco flavor perfection.

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How To Make the Doritos Taco Salad

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer until thickened, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the beef cooks, wash and chop the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion if using. Use a salad spinner to ensure greens are dry and crunchy.

Step 3: Crush the Doritos

Gently crush the Doritos by hand into bite-sized pieces. You want pieces large enough to stay crunchy but not overpower the salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and seasoned beef. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese and toss lightly with dressing.

Step 5: Add Doritos Last

Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos and gently toss with tongs. This keeps them crunchy and vibrant.

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Serving, Storing & Making Ahead

Doritos Taco Salad is best served fresh, right after tossing in the chips so they stay crisp. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the lettuce, beef, cheese, and other ingredients in separate containers, and only combine when ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days—just know the chips will soften over time. For a quick weekday lunch, pack everything separately and assemble just before eating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Doritos should I use?

The classic Nacho Cheese variety gives the most traditional taco salad flavor, but you can experiment with Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili for a twist.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute. Just season well to keep the flavor vibrant.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a spicier taco seasoning, or drizzle with hot sauce or spicy ranch dressing.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Season it the same way as beef for a lighter yet still hearty salad.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

Sour cream, ranch, or a mix of both is popular. For extra zest, try adding a spoon of salsa or a squeeze of lime to your dressing.

Can I serve this warm or cold?

It’s typically served at room temperature. The beef can be warm, but it’s important to let it cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce.

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Want More Salad-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into bold, flavorful salads like this, check out the Italian Grinder Salad for a deli-style crunch with tangy dressing. Craving something cozy and warm? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comfort classic that won’t disappoint.

For a different take on taco-style flavors, the Taco Bake Casserole brings all the goodness of this salad into a baked, cheesy form.

If you want a creative and sweet Mexican-inspired twist, don’t miss the Apple Enchiladas for dessert.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for later. Just click the Pin button and come back to it anytime.

If you make it, let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you go spicy? Did you swap proteins? I’d love to see your versions!

For more daily recipes, follow along on my Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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