If you are craving a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite, then this Dorito Taco Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crispy Doritos, zesty taco-seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a unique blend of dressings, this salad is not just a side dish but a complete celebration of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking to impress at a casual get-together or just want to treat yourself to something taco-inspired without the mess, this Dorito Taco Salad Recipe delivers an unbeatable combination of comfort and excitement that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dorito Taco Salad Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own special touch. From the crunchy iceberg lettuce to the smoky bacon and the tangy taco sauce mixed with creamy Ranch dressing, every component plays a pivotal role in building those layers of texture and flavor you’ll love.
- Iceberg lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that balances the richness of the toppings.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein, perfectly seasoned for that authentic taco flavor.
- Chili powder: Adds a warm, spicy note essential for taco seasoning.
- Cumin: Gives an earthy depth that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Garlic salt and seasoned salt: Enhance the savory flavor of the meat without overpowering.
- Bacon: Crispy and smoky, offering a delightful crunch and contrast.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst of sweetness and acidity to brighten the salad.
- Ranch Style Beans: Adds creaminess and a subtle southwestern flair.
- Shredded cheddar and white cheddar cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth richness that ties everything together.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, colorful crunch for added freshness.
- Green onions: Mild onion sharpness for a fresh finish.
- Ken’s Country French dressing: Creamy and tangy for a luscious coating.
- Ortega mild taco sauce: Brings that classic taco zestiness with just the right heat.
- Doritos: The iconic crunchy base that makes this salad stand apart.
How to Make Dorito Taco Salad Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start with the foundation. Place the ground beef in a non-stick skillet and cook until it’s browned, fully cooked, and no pink remains. This ensures a rich, juicy meat layer that is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Drain and Season
Drain excess fat by transferring the cooked meat to a paper towel-lined plate. Then let it cool slightly before returning it to the skillet. Sprinkle in garlic salt, seasoned salt, chili powder, and cumin, stirring well to coat every morsel. This seasoning blend transforms your beef into the heart of the Dorito Taco Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the beef is cooling, wash and chop your iceberg lettuce, then spin it dry to keep the salad crisp. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it once cool. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, rinse and drain the ranch style beans, and chop the green onions. These fresh elements add vibrant color and exciting contrasts with every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
Half-fill a squeeze bottle with Ortega mild taco sauce and fill the remainder with Ken’s Country French dressing. Shake it vigorously so the two combine into a creamy, tangy topping that perfectly complements the salad’s bold flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce as the base. Top with the seasoned ground beef, crumbled bacon, ranch style beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheeses, and chopped green onions. Drizzle the dressing generously over the top. Toss lightly if you prefer or leave as is for a stunning presentation.
Step 6: Serve with Doritos
Serve the salad on plates alongside a generous handful of Doritos or tortilla chips. The crunch of those Doritos is the signature finish that makes this recipe one-of-a-kind.
How to Serve Dorito Taco Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream can take your Dorito Taco Salad Recipe to the next level. These bright additions add freshness and creaminess that balance the hearty salad perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs nicely with light sides like Mexican street corn, refried beans, or even a simple guacamole for that extra burst of creaminess and flavor synergy. Avoid heavy dishes here because the salad itself is wonderfully filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual clear cups or mini taco bowls for parties. You can also layer the ingredients in a large clear trifle bowl, showcasing all the vibrant colors for a visually stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad components separately whenever possible, especially the Doritos, to keep them from getting soggy. Keep your seasoned meat, chopped veggies, and dressing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and crunchy chips, this salad is not ideal for freezing once assembled. However, you can freeze the cooked, seasoned ground beef in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw when needed for a quick assembly later.
Reheating
Gently reheat the ground beef in a pan or microwave for a warm component before adding it back to the fresh salad ingredients. Avoid reheating the entire salad to maintain crisp textures and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce provides great crunch and freshness, romaine or a mixed greens blend works well too if you prefer a slightly different texture or flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or seasoned beans. You can keep everything else the same for a delicious vegetarian Dorito Taco Salad Recipe.
Is the dressing spicy?
The Ortega mild taco sauce has just enough kick to add flavor without overwhelming heat. If you want it spicier, swap for a medium or hot taco sauce.
How do I keep the Doritos crunchy?
Always add the Doritos or tortilla chips right before serving. Storing them separately until the last moment prevents sogginess and keeps that signature crunch intact.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, prep all ingredients except the chips and dressing. Assemble the salad shortly before serving and add dressing and Doritos last to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
This Dorito Taco Salad Recipe is one of those meals that turns an ordinary day into a flavorful celebration. Its mix of textures, colors, and bold tastes creates an experience you’ll want to make again and share with friends. Don’t hesitate—grab your favorite Doritos and dive into this fun, satisfying salad that’s perfect year-round.
Print
Dorito Taco Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
A hearty and flavorful Dorito Taco Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing served with crunchy Doritos for that perfect Tex-Mex crunch.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Garlic salt (to taste)
- Seasoned salt (to taste)
- 12 slices bacon
Vegetables
- 1 head Iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 container cherry tomatoes, washed and halved
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, cleaned and chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can Ranch Style beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 bottle Ken’s Country French dressing
- 1 bottle Ortega mild taco sauce
- 1 bag Doritos
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Place the ground beef in a non-stick skillet and cook over medium heat until well done, browned with no pink remaining.
- Drain fat: Drain off excess fat by placing the cooked meat on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cool and crumble: Allow the meat to cool to warm temperature, then crumble it into small pieces for easier mixing and serving.
- Season the beef: Return the crumbled beef to the skillet and sprinkle with garlic salt, seasoned salt, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well to combine and set aside.
- Prepare lettuce: Wash and chop the Iceberg lettuce, spin dry in a salad spinner, and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Cook bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp, drain the fat, and set aside to cool; then crumble it.
- Prepare tomatoes and beans: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Drain and rinse the Ranch Style beans under cold water, then set aside.
- Prep green onions: Clean the green onions by removing any brown leaves and stems, then chop into small pieces.
- Dice red bell pepper: Wash and chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Make dressing: In an empty squeeze bottle, fill halfway with Ortega mild taco sauce and top off with Ken’s Country French dressing. Shake well to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped lettuce as the base; then top with seasoned ground beef, crumbled bacon, Ranch Style beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red pepper, shredded cheddar cheeses, and chopped green onions.
- Add dressing: Generously drizzle the combined dressing over the salad.
- Serve: Serve the salad on individual plates accompanied by Doritos or tortilla chips on the side.
- Extra dressing: Provide extra dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this crunchy, fresh, and flavorful Dorito Taco Salad.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to your taste preference.
- For a spicier salad, use a medium or hot taco sauce instead of mild.
- If preferred, tortilla chips can be used instead of Doritos for a less intense flavor.
- Make sure to drain the beans well to avoid a watery salad.
- Store leftover dressing separately to maintain the salad’s crunchiness.
