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Dorito Taco Salad

A crunchy taco salad that's fast, flavorful, and loved by kids and grown-ups alike, perfect for busy evenings or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the salad
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade (see tips)
  • 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained (or 1 cup thawed frozen corn)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 large bag (9–11 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
  • 1 large avocado, diced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving
For the dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup salsa verde or mild salsa
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Brown the protein
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the ground beef (or turkey). Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet (or 1/4 cup water if using homemade). Simmer 2–3 minutes until the flavors come together. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise (or yogurt), salsa, lime juice, and cumin. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If you like it tangier, add another squeeze of lime.
Prep the salad base
  1. Chop the lettuce and place it in a large serving bowl or on a platter. Add tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and cheese. Toss gently to combine.
Assemble
  1. Scatter the warm seasoned meat over the salad. Add diced avocado if using. Pour about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently — you can always serve the rest on the side for guests who want extra.
  2. Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top for that essential crunch. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Serve
  1. Offer extra dressing and lime wedges at the table. For a fun twist, set out small taco bowls or bigger tortillas and let everyone scoop or build their own.

Notes

Keep the chips crunchy: Add Doritos at the very end. If you mix them in too early, they’ll go soggy from the dressing. Make-ahead: Cook the meat and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.