Doritos Taco Salad

This Doritos Taco Salad brings together the bold flavors of taco seasoned ground beef with the crunchy, cheesy zest of Nacho Cheese Doritos, all tossed in a sweet and tangy Catalina dressing. It's a lively twist on a classic taco night favorite that works perfectly as a light main dish or a fun, shareable side at any gathering. This salad is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a go to for busy weeknights or casual cookouts.

I first enjoyed this salad at a family cookout and was hooked immediately. It's become one of the most requested dishes whenever we gather, and I love how it combines comfort and crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 95 percent lean ground beef: for a hearty, protein packed base with less fat
• One packet reduced sodium taco seasoning: brings classic taco flavors without overwhelming saltiness
• One medium large head iceberg lettuce chopped to bite sized pieces: provides crisp freshness and a light base
• One medium large tomato diced: adds juiciness and subtle sweetness
• Four ounces 50 percent less fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded: sharp cheddar adds creamy tang without too much richness
• Four ounces Nacho Cheese Doritos lightly broken into bite sized pieces: these give the salad its signature bold crunch and cheesy kick
• One cup light Catalina dressing: delivers sweet, tangy notes that balance the savory ingredients Kraft Lite Catalina is a great option

Instructions

Sauté the Ground Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up continuously with a wooden spoon until fully cooked and slightly browned. This forms the flavorful protein base for the salad.

Season the Meat:

Add the packet of reduced sodium taco seasoning to the beef. Stir thoroughly until the meat is well coated, ensuring each bite is packed with classic taco flavor.

Prepare Salad Base:

In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. These layers create a fresh, colorful canvas to complement the seasoned beef.

Combine Salad Ingredients:

Add the cooked taco seasoned beef to the bowl with the lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly and create a harmony of textures.

Add Crunch and Dressing Just Before Serving:

To keep the salad crisp, add the broken up Nacho Cheese Doritos and pour on the light Catalina dressing right before serving. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, preserving the Doritos' crunch.

I love the way the Catalina dressing complements the taco seasoning with its sweet and tangy profile. One of my favorite memories is serving this at a Memorial Day cookout where it disappeared before the main barbecue was even ready. Everyone was coming back for seconds and thirds because of that perfect combo of crispy, cheesy chips with savory beef.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salad without the Doritos and dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, add fresh Doritos and dressing to maintain crunch and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef to lighten the dish further. For the dressing, light ranch or a vinaigrette also works well as an alternative flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with additional lime wedges on the side for a citrusy twist. It pairs nicely with Mexican rice or a side of black beans for a complete meal.

Add Doritos and dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp. Enjoy the bold, crunchy flavors.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the Doritos crunchy?

Add the Doritos right before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain their crisp texture.

→ Can I substitute the dressing used?

Yes, you can use Catalina or French dressing based on your taste preference for either a sweet-tangy or classic flavor.

→ What type of cheese works best here?

Shredded sharp cheddar adds a nice creamy contrast to the crunchy Doritos and seasoned beef.

→ Is this suitable for potlucks?

Absolutely, this dish serves about 14 cups and is a crowd pleaser for cookouts and gatherings.

→ How can I reduce calories without losing flavor?

Using 95% lean ground beef and light Catalina dressing keeps it lower calorie while maintaining great taste.