Dorito Taco Salad

It’s not summer until you make a Dorito Taco Salad – the ultimate summer salad recipe perfect for parties, backyard cookouts or you can easily eat this as your dinner or lunch.

It is easy-to-make and so delicious that will have your taste buds doing backflips.

The perfect salad for a potluck or party! This Dorito Taco Salad is always a hit anywhere I bring it and we’ve been serving it my entire life. It’s loaded with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Nacho Cheese Doritos for the perfect crunch!

This salad is originally my Mom’s so we know it’s delicious. Plus, whenever I bring it somewhere it’s always one of the first salads gone! 

Ingredients

• 1 large bag Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips, broken into smaller pieces, but not crumbs
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 head lettuce, shredded
• 6 tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• 2 cups ranch dressing

How To Make Dorito Taco Salad

Step 1: In a skillet crumble and brown the lean ground beef. Drain the excess fat from the pan when done cooking.

Step 2: Add in the packet of taco seasoning mix. Add the two dressings, the Italian and the Ranch, stir to combine and simmer until the liquid is soaked up.

Step 3: Shred the lettuce and place in a bowl. Chop the tomatoes and place in another bowl.

Step 4: Dice the onion and place into a third bowl. Place the cheese into a large bowl.

Step 5: Instead of putting the last few ingredients into bowls, you can mix it all together with the meat.

Step 6: Placing the ingredients in separate bowls allows each person to add what they would like on the salad. Plus, if there are any of the ingredients left over, they can be packaged separately in the refrigerator.

Tips:

Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh and quality ingredients for the best results. Ensure the vegetables are crisp, and the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own at home with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Dressing: Customize the dressing to your preference. Popular choices include ranch dressing, French dressing, or a mix of both. You can also opt for a homemade dressing.

Crush Doritos Just Before Serving: Crush the Doritos and add them to the salad just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Layering: Layer the ingredients for a visually appealing presentation. Start with lettuce, followed by seasoned meat, cheese, diced tomatoes, and then the dressing.

FAQs:

1. Can I make a vegetarian version of Dorito Taco Salad?

Absolutely! You can omit the meat and use alternatives like black beans, kidney beans, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian taco salad.

2. How far in advance can I prepare Dorito Taco Salad?

It’s best to assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep it fresh and maintain the crunch of the Doritos. If you want to prepare in advance, store the components separately and combine them just before eating.

3. What kind of Doritos should I use?

You can use your favorite flavor of Doritos, whether it’s classic nacho cheese, Cool Ranch, or another variety that suits your taste.

4. Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, you can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding hot sauce if you prefer a spicier salad.

5. What other toppings can I add?

Get creative with additional toppings like black olives, diced red onions, avocado slices, or jalapeño peppers to enhance the flavors and textures.

6. Is Dorito Taco Salad served warm or cold?

It’s typically served cold, making it a refreshing and quick meal for warm days.

7. Can I prepare a large batch for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can scale up the ingredients to make a big batch of Dorito Taco Salad for gatherings or potlucks.