Made with crisp lettuce and topped with crushed nacho cheese chips and a zesty Italian dressing, Doritos taco salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a quick and easy meal. It also happens to be one of our go-to’s, especially in the warmer spring and summer months.
Always a crowd-pleaser, it is a great dish for potlucks and backyard BBQs. (Because, Doritos. Need I say more?)
Ingredients for Doritos Taco Salad
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 can (15.5 ounces) light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
- 4 cups Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, crushed
- 8 ounces Italian dressing
Instructions for Doritos Taco Salad
Step 1
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease as needed and return to the heat.
Step 2
Add the taco seasoning and water to the browned beef. Stir to mix and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Set aside the meat to cool.
Step 3
While the taco meat cools, wash and chop the lettuce. Then add it to a large serving bowl.
Step 4
Next, dice the tomatoes and drain and rinse the kidney beans. Dump the tomatoes, beans, and cheese into a separate mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Step 5
Add the vegetable and cheese mixture to the lettuce. Then add the taco meat and crushed Doritos.
Pour the Zesty Italian dressing over the top of the salad, toss to combine, and serve immediately.
Can You Make Doritos Taco Salad Ahead of Time?
You can cook the taco meat and prep the vegetables in advance, but do not mix the salad all together until just before serving.
The dressing will make the chips and lettuce soggy, so it is best when prepared and enjoyed fresh. You can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight storage container for up to two days.
Other Ways To Enjoy Doritos Taco Salad
Swap Dressings. I love the tangy zip of Italian dressing, but you can substitute Catalina, French, or Southwest Ranch.
Pile on the toppings. Do you love a loaded salad? You can add other toppings like black olives, jalapenos, grilled corn, or diced avocados.
Lighten it up. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten up the recipe.
Mix and match your greens. Iceberg lettuce is a classic, but don’t be afraid to mix and match your greens. Try Romaine, or, one of our favorites, a fresh salad mix from the local farmers’ market. Yum!
What To Serve With Doritos Taco Salad
Preparing for a taco Tuesday spread? Doritos taco salad also pairs perfectly with crockpot chalupa and a delicious double berry blended daiquiri.
Doritos Taco Salad
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! It is a favorite in our family, and with two picky eaters, it is always a meal I know I can count on everyone devouring with no complaints. That’s what I call a mom win!
P.S. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to pin it for later. And join me over on Pinterest for even more Mexican-inspired dishes.
Recipe for Doritos Taco Salad
Doritos Taco Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 can light red kidney beans (15.5 ounces)
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
- 4 cups Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, crushed
- 8 ounces Zesty Italian dressing
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain excess grease as needed.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the browned beef. Stir to mix and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- While the taco meat cools, wash and chop the lettuce. Add to a large serving bowl.
- Dice the tomatoes and drain and rinse the kidney beans. Dump the tomatoes, beans, and shredded cheese into a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the vegetable and cheese mixture to the lettuce. Then add the taco meat and crushed Doritos. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
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You had me at Doritos! Looks delicious, Jen!
Thank you, Missy! The salad is great even without the chips, but they definitely add some extra flavor!
I was coming on here to comment that I love Taco Salad and use Catalina and Ranch mixed for the dressing and I saw Paula’s sweet face. Miss her blog and chatting with her.
On another note, I also sprinkle on shredded coconut. LOL! It’s awesome! Try it.
Oh…yum! I’ve mixed ranch and salsa before or ranch with a taco seasoning, but I’ve never tried your combination. We are having this recipe later this week, so I’m give a go! And yes, whenever I come aross a comment or post from Paula I’m reminded how much I miss her too.
This sounds so yummy and I love that it is quick and easy to prepare.
Thank you, Paula. It was a favorite growing up, and always a big hit. I’m always a fan quick and easy!