Dorito Taco Salad

Dorito Taco Salad is the perfect fusion of zesty taco flavors and the crunch of Dorito Nacho Cheese chips.

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With a savory beef base, vibrant veggies, and cheesy goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a family dinner, this salad is customizable, allowing everyone to build their own perfect plate.

The combination of taco seasoning with both ranch and Italian dressings elevates this dish, creating a unique flavor profile. Paired with fresh vegetables, crispy Doritos, and shredded cheddar, every bite is bursting with bold and irresistible tastes.

This salad is quick to prepare, with minimal cooking required, making it a great go-to option for busy weeknights. Plus, you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Dorito Taco Salad

The Essentials for a Flavorful Fiesta

• Ground beef – Forms the heart of the salad, providing a savory base that balances out the crunchy, fresh vegetables and chips.
• Taco seasoning – Adds that familiar taco flavor, blending perfectly with the beef for a bold, spicy kick.
• Italian dressing – A tangy addition that works harmoniously with the taco seasoning to flavor the meat.
• Ranch dressing – Creamy and cooling, ranch adds richness and contrasts the tang of the Italian dressing.
• Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips – The star of the dish, bringing an addictive, cheesy crunch that makes this salad unique.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melty and sharp, it complements the nacho cheese flavor of the Doritos and adds an extra layer of creaminess.
• Lettuce – Light and crisp, shredded lettuce serves as the refreshing foundation for the salad.
• Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, tomatoes bring a pop of color and freshness to the salad.
• Red onion – Diced for a punch of sharp, pungent flavor, adding depth to each bite.

Putting Together This Crunchy Creation

Crafting Your Perfect Dorito Taco Salad

Begin by cooking the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and mix in the taco seasoning.

For an added punch of flavor, stir in both Italian and ranch dressings, and let the mixture simmer until the liquid is absorbed.

As you wait for the beef to finish, prepare the vegetables. Shred the lettuce, chop the tomatoes, and dice the red onion, each going into separate bowls.

Break the Dorito chips into bite-sized pieces but avoid crushing them into crumbs—this way, they maintain their signature crunch.

Now you have two options: You can set out the ingredients buffet-style for everyone to customize their salad, or toss everything together in one large bowl for a ready-to-eat meal. Either way, this salad is sure to be a hit!

Recipe Tips for the Ultimate Taco Salad

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, add the Doritos right before serving, especially if you’re mixing everything together.

If you’re expecting leftovers, keep the ingredients separate, allowing everyone to add their Doritos on the spot. This helps maintain the crunch and ensures the salad stays fresh.

For a spicier version, swap out the regular taco seasoning for a spicy one or add some sliced jalapeños. You can also top your salad with guacamole, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

If you’re vegetarian, switch out the ground beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based meat alternatives.

Storing Leftovers Like a Pro

If you have leftovers, store each component in separate airtight containers. The ground beef will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

The vegetables, particularly the lettuce and tomatoes, should be stored separately to maintain their crispness. Doritos should be kept in a sealed bag or container to keep them from getting stale.

When reheating the beef, do so gently in the microwave, then add it to your salad with fresh veggies and chips for a quick, tasty meal the next day.

Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

A vibrant and crunchy salad that combines classic taco flavors with the irresistible taste of Dorito Nacho Cheese chips. Perfect for gatherings, this customizable dish allows everyone to build their salad to their liking.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 red onion diced
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• 2 cups ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 tomatoes chopped
• 1 head lettuce shredded
• 1 large bag Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions

Cook the Beef:

• In a skillet over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Season and Simmer:

• Stir in the taco seasoning packet, followed by both the Italian and ranch dressings. Mix well and simmer until the liquid is absorbed by the meat mixture.

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Shred the lettuce and chop the tomatoes, setting each in its own bowl. Dice the red onion and set aside in another separate bowl.

Assemble the Ingredients:

• Place the shredded cheddar cheese into a large serving bowl. Break the Dorito chips into smaller pieces (but not crumbs) and keep them aside.

Serve or Mix:

• You can either serve all the ingredients separately, allowing each person to build their own salad, or mix everything together—chips, seasoned meat, vegetables, and cheese—into one large serving bowl for convenience. If desired, this method helps keep leftovers fresh by storing ingredients individually.

Notes

Feel free to add or remove ingredients based on personal preference. Leftovers can be stored in separate containers to maintain their freshness.