Doritos Taco Salad

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad combines a zesty Catalina dressing with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy Doritos for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This taco salad is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With its crunchy Doritos and tangy Catalina dressing, it’s a fun twist on traditional taco salad that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

How to Make Doritos Taco Salad

Ingredients

Catalina Salad Dressing

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2-3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Doritos Taco Salad

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 large head of iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped black olives
• 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups crushed nacho cheese Doritos

Instructions

1. Prepare the Catalina Dressing:
   • In a mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
   • Shake well to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease.
   • Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes.
   • Let the meat mixture cool for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce.
   • Top with green bell pepper, black olives, tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, and the seasoned cooked beef.
4. Add the Doritos and Dressing:
   • Right before serving, add the crushed Doritos and desired amount of dressing.
   • Toss the salad to coat everything evenly.

How to Serve Doritos Taco Salad

Serve immediately after adding the Doritos and dressing to keep the chips crispy. This salad makes a great main dish or side dish for any meal.

How to Store Doritos Taco Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the Doritos will lose their crunch over time, so it’s best to add them just before serving.

Tips to Make Doritos Taco Salad

• Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the beef and dressing ahead of time, but add the Doritos and dressing just before serving for the best texture.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you like your salad spicier, add extra taco seasoning or a splash of hot sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use a meat substitute or add more beans and veggies for a vegetarian version.
• Southwest Twist: Add ingredients like black beans, corn, or grilled chicken for a southwestern flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chips?
Yes, you can use any type of tortilla chips or even pita chips if you prefer.

2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Make sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify that the chips and other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite ranch or creamy dressing if you prefer.