If you’re looking for a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this Dorito Taco Salad is about to become your new go-to favorite. It’s bold, vibrant, and downright irresistible — the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe that disappears in minutes at potlucks, family dinners, BBQs, or game-day gatherings.
This isn’t your average salad.
This is the salad you make when you want something satisfying, crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor — all in one bowl. Every bite bursts with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and the star of the show… Nacho Cheese Doritos.
Make it once, and you’ll understand why everyone always reaches for a second helping!
🧀 Ingredients
- 1 large bag Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips, broken into bite-sized pieces (not crumbs)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 head lettuce, shredded
- 6 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 2 cups ranch dressing
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season the Beef
Add the taco seasoning plus a splash of water (as directed on the packet).
Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prep the Veggies
While the beef cools, shred the lettuce, chop the tomatoes, and dice the red onion.
4. Build the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, and onion.
Add the cooked ground beef.
5. Add the Chips & Cheese
Gently fold in the Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and ranch dressing.
7. Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor!
🌶️ Tips & Variations
- Add beans: Black beans or pinto beans work great for extra protein.
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even grilled shrimp.
- Customize the dressing: Use Catalina dressing for a sweeter, retro-style flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or spicy Doritos.
- Add avocado: Dice a ripe avocado right before serving for creaminess.
🥗 How to Serve
Dorito Taco Salad is best served immediately after adding the chips and dressing so the texture stays crunchy. It’s perfect for:
- Potlucks
- Family dinners
- Game-day spreads
- Summer cookouts
- Quick weeknight meals
Serve with extra chips on the side for topping!
🧊 Storage
Because of the chips and lettuce, this salad does not store well once assembled.
But you can meal-prep it with this method:
- Store separately:
- Meat in one container
- Lettuce + veggies in another
- Cheese separate
- Doritos in the bag
- Dressing in a jar
When ready to eat, assemble fresh — tastes perfect every time.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Dorito Taco Salad is fun, fast, and unbelievably delicious. It’s one of those dishes that brings smiles to the table and keeps people coming back for more. With its perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and Tex-Mex flavor, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
