Go Back
Doritos Taco Salad

Doritos Taco Salad - A Crunchy, Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (or 6 cups chopped mixed greens)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (canned, drained; or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed (plus extra to taste)
  • 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1/3–1/2 cup ranch dressing (or Catalina/French dressing for a classic twist)
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for the pan

Instructions
 

  • Cook the meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Season it: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (2–3 tablespoons). Simmer 1–2 minutes until the meat is well coated and saucy. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Prep the greens: Chop the romaine into bite-size pieces and pat dry. Add to a large salad bowl.
  • Add the veggies: Top with tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, and olives if using.
  • Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
  • Make the dressing blend: In a small bowl, stir together ranch (or Catalina) with salsa. Start with 1/3 cup dressing and 1/2 cup salsa; you can add more if you like it creamier. Squeeze in a little lime juice if you want extra brightness.
  • Combine: Add the slightly cooled taco meat to the salad.
  • Crush the Doritos: Right before serving, lightly crush Doritos in the bag or by hand. You want big, crunchy pieces, not crumbs.
  • Toss and taste: Add Doritos to the bowl, pour over the dressing blend, and toss gently with tongs until everything is coated. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more dressing.
  • Garnish and serve: Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately while the chips are still crisp.