Easy Doritos Taco Salad – Crunchy, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic taco salad—made with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, fresh toppings, shredded cheese, and the star of the show: crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos. It’s quick to make, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and totally customizable. The bold flavor and satisfying texture make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

🛒 Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup water
1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup red onion, diced
1 cup canned corn, drained
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
½ cup Catalina dressing (or ranch for a creamy version)

Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced avocado, jalapeños, green onions, hot sauce

🔄 Substitutions

Ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
Doritos: Swap with tortilla chips or try Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho for variety
Dressing: Use ranch, chipotle ranch, or salsa + sour cream mix
Lettuce: Try spinach or a spring mix for more greens
Cheese: Use Mexican blend, pepper jack, or dairy-free shreds

👨‍🍳 How to

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked
Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens, then let cool slightly
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, corn, black beans, and cheese
Add the cooled beef and toss gently
Just before serving, mix in crushed Doritos and drizzle with Catalina dressing
Toss everything together until well coated and serve immediately

🧀 Mix-ins

Diced bell peppers for extra crunch
Pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick
Chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby note
Lime juice for brightness
Cooked rice or quinoa to make it more filling

✅ Recipe Tips

Add Doritos right before serving to keep them crispy
Let the taco meat cool slightly to avoid wilting the lettuce
Make it a meal prep bowl by packing everything separately
Use mini bags of Doritos for individual portions—great for parties

📦 Storage

Best served immediately after mixing for max crunch
Store salad ingredients (minus chips and dressing) in the fridge up to 3 days
Keep meat, chips, and dressing separate and assemble just before eating
Not freezer-friendly

🌀 Recipe Variations

Vegetarian: Use meatless crumbles or skip the meat and double the beans
Low-carb: Use romaine, omit corn and chips, and add guacamole or salsa
Fiesta Bowl: Layer all ingredients in a bowl with rice and skip the chips
Kid-friendly: Let kids build their own with favorite toppings in small bowls

❓ FAQs

Can I make Doritos taco salad ahead of time? Yes, but keep the chips and dressing separate until ready to serve
What dressing goes best? Catalina is traditional, but ranch, chipotle, or salsa cream work great too
What protein can I use besides beef? Ground turkey, grilled chicken, or black beans all work well
Can I serve it warm? Yes—serve the meat warm and everything else cold for a great contrast

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavor—perfect for quick dinners, casual gatherings, or fun family nights.