Dinner

Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

ByRita Bennet February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Introduction

Doritos Taco Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic taco night favorite. Packed with fresh veggies, seasoned ground beef, and the irresistible crunch of Doritos, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. It’s easy to assemble and sure to please the whole family.

The dish is a layered Doritos taco salad served in a white rectangular bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of crunchy orange Doritos chips with a rough texture, topped with seasoned ground beef that is browned and crumbly in small clusters. Above that are chopped fresh lettuce pieces with a bright green color and crisp texture. Scattered throughout are small chunks of red tomato and bits of purple onion adding pops of color. A creamy orange sauce lightly coats parts of the salad, blending smoothly with the other layers. The overall salad looks fresh, colorful, and textured with a mix of crunchy, soft, and juicy elements photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup sliced black olives
½ cup diced red onion

1 cup crushed Doritos Nacho Cheese or your favorite flavor
¼ cup sour cream (optional)
¼ cup salsa or taco sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

For taco seasoning if making your own:

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the beef by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Top the salad with the seasoned ground beef.
Step 4: Sprinkle the crushed Doritos evenly over the top for a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Drizzle with sour cream and salsa, or gently toss to combine if you prefer.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Step 7: Serve immediately to enjoy the best crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use your favorite Doritos flavor to change the taste profile of the salad.
For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Add black beans or corn to boost the vegetable content and add extra texture.

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different protein.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the Doritos crunchy, store them separately and add just before serving. Reheat the beef separately if desired, but it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with layered nachos is shown in close-up. The bottom layer is crispy yellow tortilla chips, topped with cooked brown ground beef scattered across. Bright red diced tomatoes and finely chopped purple onions are sprinkled generously, mixed with shredded light green lettuce on top. Melted orange cheese sauce is drizzled evenly over to add a creamy texture, blending with all ingredients. The dish looks colorful with fresh, crunchy, and rich textures all mixed together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the taco seasoning from scratch?

Yes, you can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create your own taco seasoning. This lets you control the spice level and avoid any additives.

What can I use instead of Doritos if I want a healthier option?

Try crunchy baked tortilla chips or toasted nuts like pepitas for a healthier crunch. You can also use homemade baked pita chips seasoned with taco spices.