This Dorito taco salad has been my go-to when I need something fast, crunchy, and completely satisfying. I first made it for a casual game night when I realized I had taco seasoning, a bag of nacho cheese chips, and a head of iceberg lettuce that needed to be used. The mix of warm, savory beef with cool, crisp lettuce and the tangy-sweet Catalina dressing created a balance that had everyone in the room reaching for seconds. It’s one of those simple combinations that tastes far more considered than the short ingredient list suggests.

What makes this version special is the contrast of textures and the nostalgic flavors—salted Doritos add that irresistible crunch and cheesy note while Catalina dressing gives the salad a sweet, slightly vinegary finish that plays beautifully with the seasoned beef. It’s the kind of dish you can pull together in about 20 minutes yet serve with pride at a casual gathering. Over the years I’ve refined the ratio of chips to lettuce so that every bite delivers both crisp and creamy, and I always recommend adding chips and dressing right at the last minute to keep everything delightfully crunchy.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon. Use a good extra-virgin for flavor when cooking the beef; it imparts a subtle fruity note and helps the seasoning bloom.
• Lean ground beef: 1 pound. Choose 90/10 or 93/7 for a lean option that browns well without excessive fat. Freshly ground or supermarket-packed both work.
• Taco seasoning: 2 tablespoons. Use a store-bought mix like McCormick or your own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for consistent flavor.
• Iceberg lettuce: 1 medium head, finely chopped. Iceberg gives the crisp backbone to this salad—look for firm, bright green leaves and remove the core before shredding.
• Tomato: 1 large, diced. Ripe but firm tomatoes such as vine-ripened or Roma add juiciness and acidity to balance the chips and dressing.
• Nacho cheese Doritos chips: 2 to 4 ounces, coarsely crushed (about 2 to 4 cups loosely packed). Add chips just before serving to maintain crunch; you can adjust quantity to taste.
• Catalina dressing: 1 cup. This sweet-tangy dressing ties everything together—look for a bottled Catalina or French dressing labeled Catalina style for that signature flavor.
• Garnishes: Sour cream and guacamole, as desired for creaminess and cooling contrast.

Instructions

Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Break the beef into small pieces with a spatula and cook until uniformly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the meat to a plate to cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce when combined. Prep the vegetables: While the beef cooks, core and finely chop 1 medium head of iceberg lettuce and dice 1 large tomato into bite-sized pieces. Transfer both to a large mixing bowl so you have plenty of room to toss the salad evenly. Assemble and toss: Add the cooled cooked beef to the bowl with lettuce and tomato. Right before serving, add 2 to 4 ounces of coarsely crushed Doritos and 1 cup of Catalina dressing. Toss thoroughly but gently to coat everything and distribute the chips for an even crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Plate and garnish: Divide the salad among plates or serve family-style. Finish each portion with a generous dollop of sour cream and a scoop of guacamole, if using. Serve immediately so the chips remain crisp.

Storage Tips

To keep components at peak quality, store the cooked, cooled beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep crushed Doritos in a sealed bag at room temperature to preserve crunch. If you’ve already dressed the salad, consume within 24 hours and expect some loss of crispness. For make-ahead convenience, prepare and refrigerate the beef and chopped lettuce separately, then combine, add chips and dressing, and toss just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer poultry, substitute ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken; increase taco seasoning by a teaspoon to boost flavor when using leaner meat. For a vegetarian option, use seasoned cooked lentils or spiced crumbled plant-based ground for similar texture. Swap Catalina dressing for a smoky chipotle ranch if you want more heat, or use a vinaigrette and add honey to approximate the sweet note if Catalina isn’t available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with lime wedges for a bright finish and a side of warm flour or corn tortillas to turn it into a DIY taco bar. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness. It pairs beautifully with a light beer or an iced tea for summer meals and stands up well to bold accompaniments like grilled corn or spicy black bean dip.

Cultural Background

The idea of chips in salad draws on Tex-Mex traditions that favor bold flavors and playful textures—combining tortilla chips with seasoned proteins, beans, and salsas is rooted in Southwestern American home cooking. Doritos, a mass-produced snack, found its way into casual salads as a convenient ingredient that adds both flavor and texture without additional preparation. This salad is a modern, home-friendly interpretation that leans into those approachable, crowd-pleasing traits.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, swap iceberg for a mix of romaine and butter lettuce and add fresh corn and diced avocado. During cooler months, brown the beef with a splash of beef stock and a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, and add roasted sweet potatoes to make the dish heartier. Holiday gatherings can welcome a festive twist by adding pomegranate seeds for color and switching to a maple-chipotle dressing for warm complexity.

Meal Prep Tips

For streamlined weeknight meals, brown the beef and store it in portioned containers in the fridge. Pre-wash and spin-dry lettuce in advance, and keep tomatoes diced in a small sealed container. Day-of assembly takes just minutes: combine lettuce and tomato, reheat the beef if you prefer it warm, add chips and dressing, toss, and garnish. Use shallow wide containers for even mixing when preparing for lunches.

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something crunchy and comforting, this Dorito taco salad delivers easy satisfaction. Give it a try and make it your own with the garnishes and substitutions that suit your tastes.