Doritos Taco Salad Catalina

This classic Doritos Taco Salad brings together all the bold Tex-Mex flavors into one crowd-pleasing bowl. Tender taco-seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, rich shredded cheddar, hearty beans, creamy sour cream, tangy Catalina dressing, and of course, those neon-orange Doritos for crunch and nostalgia. It makes a great weeknight dinner or potluck option and is endlessly customizable especially fun to set up as a taco salad bar for family and friends.

Every time I make this, strangers at cookouts and friends at family game night ask for the recipe. The Doritos add that craveable bold crunch and instantly transport me back to 80s summers and birthday parties.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: gives savory protein backbone look for eighty percent lean for flavor
• Taco seasoning: brings classic spice blend you can use homemade or store bought
• Water: helps dissolve the seasoning packet and blend flavors
• Doritos: are the star choose nacho cheese for that classic punch crush lightly by hand
• Kidney beans or black beans: offer heartiness rinse and drain well for best taste
• Cheddar cheese: gives creamy tang always grate your own for melt and flavor
• Tomatoes: for freshness choose ripe juicy ones and dice just before serving
• Lettuce: adds crisp texture Romaine or iceberg both work well shred just before adding
• Catalina or French dressing: for sweet tangy finish shake bottle well before using
• Sour cream: to top adds cool creamy richness use full fat for the best result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet stir frequently breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned and cooked through about seven minutes drain off any excess grease for a lighter salad

Season the Meat:

Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef and pour in the amount of water listed on your seasoning packet usually around two thirds cup stir everything together and let it simmer for four minutes until the seasoning thickens and cloaks the meat

Crush and Prep the Doritos:

Lightly crush the Doritos by giving the unopened bag a gentle crunch with your hands aim for bite size pieces not crumbs pour chips into a huge salad bowl this lets you toss everything evenly at the end

Mix in the Ingredients:

To your big salad bowl add the taco meat then tip in drained beans shredded lettuce grated cheddar and diced tomatoes use two big spoons to gently toss all the components together until just combined do not overmix or the lettuce and chips will break down

Dress and Serve:

Drizzle over the Catalina or French dressing starting with about half a bottle and tossing lightly to coat taste and add more dressing if needed stop when all is just lightly coated for a creamy salad

Add Toppings:

Scoop salad into bowls and finish each with a generous dollop of sour cream or let everyone add their own at the table for that taco bar feel

I absolutely love the way Doritos transform a basic salad into something everyone fights over. No matter how many times I make this my kids lick the bowl and ask for seconds. I remember once making a triple batch for my daughter’s birthday party and watching the whole table of teens fall silent except the crunching.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. For best crunch store all salad items taco meat dressing and Doritos separately then combine just before serving. This way the chips and lettuce will not get soggy and you can assemble a fresh bowl even the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use ground turkey or plant based crumbles for the meat. Swap in tortilla chips if you do not have Doritos on hand although the flavor will miss a little of that signature zing. Pinto beans work fine if you are out of black or kidney beans. Shredded Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully as well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a main dish for casual dinners or try as a game day snack with small bowls for everyone to customize. You can also make it into individual layered mason jar salads packing the Doritos and lettuce on top to keep them dry until it is time to eat. Pair with cold Mexican beer or limeade.

Cultural Context

Doritos Taco Salad is a true retro American classic especially popular throughout the Midwest. It became a beloved potluck favorite in the 1980s when convenience foods were on the rise and creative combinations using pantry staples like taco seasoning and chips took off. More than just a salad this dish is a little slice of backyard barbecue nostalgia.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What toppings can I add?

Try salsa, sliced olives, jalapeños, green onions, or pinto beans to add even more flavor and texture.

→ Can I substitute Doritos?

Yes, you can use your favorite tortilla chips for a similar crunch, though Doritos add a unique flavor.

→ Which dressings work best?

Catalina, French, or Russian dressing all pair well with the hearty, zesty ingredients.

→ What kind of beans work well?

Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans are all delicious additions for added protein and texture.

→ How do I keep leftovers crisp?

If storing, keep chips and dressing separate and combine just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.

→ What sides go well with this?

Serve with Mexican cornbread, grilled corn, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.