This Doritos Taco Salad Recipe brings together crunchy Doritos chips, seasoned ground beef, and fresh veggies for a quick Mexican-inspired meal you can’t resist. The zesty flavors and satisfying crunch make it the perfect easy dinner or appetizer any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No oven needed—everyone’s favorite crunchy Doritos chips do the heavy lifting
• Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
• Versatile—serve as a light lunch, casual dinner, or crowd-pleasing appetizer
• Customizable—swap proteins or toppings to suit dietary needs or preferences
• Budget-friendly—simple pantry staples and one bag of Doritos keep costs low
• Kid-approved—mild, fun, and colorful enough to get even picky eaters excited
• Make-ahead friendly—prep components in advance for an ultra-quick assembly
• Texture heaven—the combo of crisp chips, hearty ground beef, and fresh veggies
Ingredients
1 (11 oz) bag Doritos (Nacho Cheese or your favorite flavor)
1 lb ground beef (or swap for ground turkey/chicken)
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (homemade mix or low-sodium store-bought)
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (sub iceberg for extra crunch)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack works, too)
¼ cup sliced green onions (or use finely diced white onion)
½ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on your spice tolerance)
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for tang)
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, jalapeño rings, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Directions
1. Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in the ground beef. Stir and break it up with a spatula until it’s no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Season to perfection
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet along with ⅓ cup water. Stir, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and beef is richly coated (2–3 minutes). Tip: Taste and adjust salt if you used homemade seasoning.
3. Prep the produce
While beef simmers, chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice green onions. Rinse and drain beans in a fine mesh sieve.
4. Layer the salad base
In a large, shallow bowl or salad platter, start with lettuce, then evenly distribute cherry tomatoes and black beans.
5. Add the cheesy beef
Spoon the warm, seasoned ground beef over the veggies. This contrast of hot and cold adds a lovely textural twist.
6. Top with chips and cheese
Gently crumble Doritos over the salad—reserve a handful for garnish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, letting the residual heat soften it slightly.
7. Finish with flair
Dollop sour cream and salsa in the center or scatter across the salad. Garnish with green onions, avocado slices, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
8. Serve immediately
For maximum crunch, toss everything together right before serving. Encourage guests to scoop all layers in one bite—chip bottom first!
Servings & Timing
Yield: 4 servings (serves as hearty dinner)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
• Swap ground beef for seasoned ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
• Mix in corn kernels or sautéed bell peppers to amp up the veggie quotient.
• Use nacho cheese Doritos for extra cheesiness or Cool Ranch for a tangy bite.
• Replace salsa and sour cream with guacamole and pico de gallo for a fresh take.
• Turn it into a taco bowl by layering in warm tortillas rather than chips.
• Add a drizzle of chipotle crema or spicy ranch for an indulgent finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store components separately: keep dressed salad in an airtight container (minus Doritos) for up to 2 days in the fridge. Doritos can be sealed in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat leftover beef in the microwave or skillet for 1–2 minutes; then reassemble salad and add fresh chips.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for seasoned tofu crumbles, tempeh, or extra beans—same great crunch.
Q: How do I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?
A: Always add chips just before serving. If prepping ahead, store them separately and layer on at the last minute.
Q: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
A: Mix 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste.
Q: Can I prep this salad in advance?
A: Yes—cook the beef, chop veggies, and mix toppings up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble and add chips when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Check your Doritos flavor’s label—most are gluten-free, but confirm the seasoning packet. Use gluten-free taco seasoning if needed.
Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: It’s mild by default. Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Q: Can I double this for a party?
A: Definitely! Scale up ingredients and serve in a large platter; keep components chilled and chips separate.
Conclusion
This Doritos Taco Salad Recipe is your go-to for an easy, quick, and utterly crunchy Mexican-inspired meal that delights every crowd. From its seasoned ground beef to the zesty salsa and crispy Doritos, every bite is fiesta-worthy. Give it a try, leave a comment below, and explore more Tex-Mex favorites on the blog!
Doritos Taco Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 11 oz bag Doritos Nacho Cheese or preferred flavor
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute ground turkey/chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 oz, homemade or store-bought
- 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa mild, medium, or hot
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Optional toppings avocado slices, jalapeño rings, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ⅓ cup water, reduce heat to low, and simmer until seasoning coats the beef and liquid is absorbed, about 2–3 minutes.
- Chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, and rinse and drain black beans in a fine mesh sieve.
- On a large platter or in a bowl, layer lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and seasoned beef.
- Crumble Doritos over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, letting the heat soften it slightly.
- Top with salsa, sour cream, green onions, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately to maintain crunch.
