Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

I’m excited to share my take on this Potluck Taco Salad. The blend of seasoned ground beef, crispy Nacho Cheese Doritos, fresh lettuce, and diced tomatoes paired with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa and a hint of lime creates an enticing mix meant to spark lively conversation around your table.

I love mixing things up with recipes that bring a fresh twist to something familiar. This Doritos Taco Salad has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s full of bold flavors and fun textures.

I start with 1 lb ground beef seasoned perfectly with a packet taco seasoning mix and toss it all with a 9.25 oz bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, which adds that satisfying crunch you never knew you needed. I mix in chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes to keep it light and add shredded cheddar cheese for a burst of savory goodness.

Then I stir in a tangy combination of 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup salsa and a little kick from 1 tbsp lime juice. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a crowd or even a quick dinner on a summer night.

I guarantee it’s gonna be a hit at any party!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I like this recipe because it lets me mix crunchy Doritos with seasoned beef and fresh veggies, and that mix of textures is just awesome.
2. I enjoy how the tangy dressing adds a really cool zing to the salad and makes all the flavors pop even more.
3. I love that it’s super easy to prepare and feels like a fun twist on taco night, making it perfect for parties or quick dinners.
4. I also appreciate that every bite is a burst of bold taste, combining spicy, fresh, and crunchy elements in one dish—it’s just amazing!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef provides protein and rich flavor, though its sometimes a bit fatty.
• Taco seasoning mix adds a zesty spicy taste and balanced herbs flavor.
• Nacho Cheese Doritos are crunchy, cheesy and supply carbs, making it indulgent.
• Lettuce is crisp and gives fiber while keepin dish light.
• Tomatoes provide vitamins with a sweet and tangy burst.
• Cheddar cheese offers creaminess and extra protein to the mix.
• Sour cream, salsa, and lime juice add tang, cream and freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 (9.25 oz) bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
• 1 head lettuce, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tbsp lime juice

How to Make this

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, stirring so it cooks evenly, then drain the extra fat.

2. Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the beef and stir in about 1/4 cup of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the meat is well coated and the sauce thickens a bit.

3. While the beef cooks, chop your lettuce into bite size pieces and dice the tomatoes.

4. Open the bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, reserve a few whole ones for topping if you like, and roughly crush the rest.

5. In a big salad bowl, mix the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crushed Doritos.

6. Add your seasoned beef to the bowl and toss gently so the mixture is evenly spread out.

7. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, salsa, and lime juice together until you get a smooth tangy dressing.

8. Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss again to combine all the flavors.

9. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and add the reserved whole Doritos for that extra crunch before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Spatula or wooden spoon
3. Strainer or colander
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Big salad bowl
7. Small mixing bowl
8. Measuring cup
9. Whisk (or fork for mixing dressing)

FAQ

Doritos Taco Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef – you can swap with ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles if you’re lookin for a lean protein option
• Taco seasoning mix – try mixing your own spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and a pinch of paprika for that homemade flavor
• Nacho Cheese Doritos – if you’re not in the mood for Doritos, use a different type of flavored tortilla chips or just plain tortilla chips for a lighter crunch
• Sour cream – Greek yogurt works pretty well as a substitute if you want something a bit healthier that still gives that creamy tang

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you drain most of the grease off the beef after browning it so your salad doesn’t end up all soggy, its a small step that really makes a difference
2. Let the taco seasoning simmer with the beef just a little extra so the flavors mix in really well, its worth that extra minute to get the taste right
3. Reserve a few whole Doritos before crushing the rest so you can sprinkle them on top at the end for that extra crunch that makes the texture pop
4. When you mix up the sour cream, salsa, and lime juice, try tasting it and then adjust as needed, a little more lime or sour cream can really brighten the dish if it feels a bit flat