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Dorito Taco Salad

Inspired by Midwestern-classic "walking tacos," my crowd-pleasing Dorito Taco Salad is fully loaded with taco-seasoned beef, cheese, fresh vegetables, and nacho cheese chips. Try this 30-minute meal for an easy weeknight dinner idea or for a casual party or potluck.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 270 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the French dressing:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or less to taste (see note 1)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup light olive oil (see note 2)
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika (see note 3)
  • salt
For the salad:
  • 1 pound ground beef (see note 4)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning homemade or store-bought (see note 5)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 head lettuce shredded (see note 6)
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 bell pepper sliced or chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos crushed

Instructions

To make the French dressing:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a food processor or blender, add sugar, ketchup, olive oil, white vinegar, celery seed, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt to taste (I like 1 teaspoon). Process until smooth. Store covered in the refrigerator until serving time, up to 4 days in advance.
To make the salad:
  1. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain well. Stir in taco seasoning and water and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. In a large bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, cheese and beef mixture. Toss to combine. Right before serving, add Doritos and salad dressing and toss to combine.

Notes

  • Granulated sugar: The 1/2 cup sugar in the dressing may sound like a lot, but it tastes just like the ones at Wisconsin supper clubs of my youth (they'd bring a small salad dressing caddy to your table with 4 different kinds of dressing: Ranch, Italian, Thousand Island, and French). If you don't love sweet dressings, start with 2 tablespoons of sugar, taste, and increase if desired. Or, substitute a bottle of store-bought French dressing.
  • Light olive oil: Light olive oil is milder than extra virgin which allows the other flavor-boosters to shine.
  • Paprika: Use regular paprika (often simply labeled “Paprika” on the package) rather than hot or smoked paprika.
  • Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 beef for flavor. Drain off the fat (in a colander or on a paper towel-lined plate) after cooking, if desired.
  • Taco seasoning: A store-bought packet works great. To DIY a packet's worth of homemade taco seasoning, whisk together 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon). Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch if you prefer a thickener in your taco seasoning.
  • Lettuce: Choose something mild and crisp such as romaine, green leaf, or iceberg.
  • Yield: This Dorito Taco Salad makes 12 servings for a light meal or satisfying side dish.
  • Storage: This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made because the dressing will make the lettuce and Doritos soggy.
  • Make ahead: The French dressing can be blended together up to 3 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and shake to recombine before using. If you make your own taco seasoning, that can be prepared up to 6 months in advance.
  • Chip swaps: Try this taco salad recipe with Cool Ranch Doritos, Fritos, or regular tortilla chips instead of Nacho Cheese Doritos.
  • Taco time: For more twists on Taco Tuesday that think outside of the tortilla, try my Easy Taco Dip, Taco Pizza, Taco Stuffed Tomatoes, or Easy Taco Soup.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 serving Calories 270kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 47mg (16%) Sodium 245mg (10%) Potassium 322mg (9%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 1149IU (23%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 158mg (16%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 270

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 serving
Calories 270kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 245mg 10%
Potassium 322mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 1149IU 23%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 158mg 16%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.