Easy Doritos Taco Salad is a fun, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

With seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, this salad is topped with crunchy Doritos chips for that extra satisfying bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and is always a hit at parties or family meals. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a side, this salad is sure to become a favorite!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife for chopping vegetables

Ingredients Overview

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the salad, cooked with taco seasoning for classic flavor.
Doritos: The star topping, providing crunch and a burst of flavor.
Fresh Veggies: Lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion add freshness and color.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives a creamy and melty texture when mixed in.
Dressing: A creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.

2. Season the Beef

Add 1 packet of taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

While the beef cools, chop 3 cups of lettuce, dice 2 medium tomatoes, and finely chop 1/4 red onion. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

4. Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Assemble the Salad

Once the beef has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together gently.

6. Add the Doritos

Just before serving, break 2 cups of Doritos into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the salad for the perfect crunch.

7. Serve

Serve immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving if you prefer to prepare it in advance. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing or salad for a spicy kick.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use black beans or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Customizable: Feel free to add other salad toppings like olives, avocado, or corn to make the salad your own.
Crunch: If you’re making this ahead of time, keep the Doritos separate until ready to serve to maintain their crunch.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this Doritos Taco Salad with a refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer for a casual meal. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works as a great substitute for beef in this recipe, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but keep the Doritos and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Doritos Taco Salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish at a barbecue, potluck, or taco night. It’s also a great addition to a game-day spread, where guests can help themselves to this fun, crowd-pleasing salad.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
3 cups lettuce, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 cups Doritos, crushed
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Brown the ground beef and cook with taco seasoning and water. Set aside to cool.
Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and onion, and place in a large bowl.
Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning to make the dressing.
Add the seasoned beef to the veggies, pour on the dressing, and toss.
Top with crushed Doritos and serve immediately. Enjoy!