Dorito Taco Salad
The ultimate crowd-pleasing potluck classic! This salad is a nostalgic, crunchy, savory, and slightly spicy masterpiece that’s more of a meal than a side dish. It’s quick to assemble and always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base:
· 1 (10.5–12.5 oz) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed into large pieces
· 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
· 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 Tbsp homemade)
· ⅓ cup water
· 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
· 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed)
· 2–3 roma tomatoes, diced
· 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
· ½ red onion, finely diced
· 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
· 1–2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
· Optional adds: 1 small can sliced black olives, 1 diced jalapeño, 1 avocado (diced and added right before serving)
For the Dressing:
· 1 cup sour cream
· ½ cup mayonnaise
· ½ cup salsa (your preferred heat level)
· 2 tsp lime juice
· 1 tsp cumin (optional)
· Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
· Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
· Tortilla chips (extra, for scooping!)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat:
· In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
· Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely (this is key to keeping the salad crisp).
- Make the Dressing:
· In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, and cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
- Assemble (The Critical Step for Crunch):
· In a very large bowl, combine the cooled seasoned meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cheese.
· Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the mixture and stir gently to coat.
· Just before serving, add the crushed Doritos and gently fold to combine. The chips should stay crisp, not soggy.
· If using avocado or delicate items like olives, add them now.
- Serve:
· Line plates or a serving bowl with a bed of shredded lettuce.
· Pile the dressed Dorito-meat mixture on top.
· Garnish with green onions, extra cheese, and a dollop of remaining dressing.
· Serve immediately with extra chips on the side.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Salad
· Cool the Meat: Letting the meat cool completely before mixing is the #1 rule to prevent wilting the veggies and turning the Doritos to mush.
· Crush Wisely: Don’t pulverize the Doritos—you want noticeable, crunchy pieces. Keep them in large chunks by crushing gently in the bag or with your hands.
· Dressing Timing: Mix the dressing into the non-chip ingredients first, then fold in chips at the last possible second.
· Make it a “Bar”: For parties, set out all components (lettuce, meat mixture, chips, toppings, dressing) and let guests build their own plates to maintain maximum crunch.
· Shortcut: Use store-bought ranch dressing mixed with a little taco sauce or salsa if you’re in a hurry.
Variations & Tweaks
· Healthier Twist: Use ground chicken or turkey, light sour cream, and swap half the Doritos for baked tortilla strips.
· “Walking Taco” Style: Serve individual portions in single-serve Doritos bags. Let everyone add their own toppings.
· Tex-Mex Upgrade: Add 1 cup of cooked, cooled rice (Spanish or cilantro-lime) to make it even heartier.
· No Mayo Dressing: Use 1 cup of ranch dressing mixed with ½ cup of salsa instead.
· Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for a plant-based crumble or an extra can of beans.
This salad is fun, filling, and full of texture. It’s the definition of a “sometimes food” that’s absolutely worth the indulgence. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a nostalgic family dinner!