Introduction

This Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a delightful combination of crunchy, savory, and fresh flavors perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and zesty homemade dressing, it’s a satisfying twist on a classic taco.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful taco salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has a base layer of chopped green lettuce mixed with crushed yellow and orange tortilla chips. On top, there are bright red cherry tomato halves, black beans, and small pieces of yellow corn scattered evenly. Crumbled browned ground meat is spread across the salad, along with finely chopped green onions. Two wooden salad forks rest on opposite sides of the bowl. In the background, a red textured cloth, a jar with orange salsa, and a set of salt and pepper grinders are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup ketchup
2-3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
3 tablespoons taco seasoning or a packet of taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1 large head of iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped black olives
1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 can (15.25 ounce) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups crushed nacho cheese Doritos

Instructions

Step 1: In a mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire Sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Shake well to mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor. Remove from heat and let the meat mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped lettuce. Layer with green bell pepper, black olives, halved tomatoes, drained corn, rinsed black beans, shredded cheese, and the cooled seasoned meat.
Step 4: Just before serving, top the salad with crushed Doritos and drizzle with the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef or use reduced-fat cheese and dressing.
Add diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Make the dressing ahead and store in the refrigerator, but add the Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Try substituting Ranch or salsa dressing if preferred for a different flavor profile.
Use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos for a healthier crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crushed Doritos and dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the chips’ crispiness. Reheat the seasoned meat gently before assembling if preferred warm.

How to Serve

In a large white bowl, a colorful taco salad is layered with crispy, orange tortilla chips scattered over the top mixed with green lettuce leaves. There are chunks of cooked ground beef adding a rich brown color, black beans, and yellow corn kernels spread evenly throughout. Bright red grape tomatoes and black olive slices add pops of color, with green scallions also visible. Two wooden serving spoons rest inside the bowl, and nearby there are clear salt and pepper shakers, a glass jar of sauce, all set on a white marbled surface with a red cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, seasoned tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

How do I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?

Keep the crushed Doritos separate and add them to the salad just before serving. This ensures they stay crunchy and fresh.