Taco Salad Made With Doritos

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For A Healthier Version

How to Make DORITOS TACO SALAD ~ Retro Salad Recipe

If youre super worried about the health standard of this salad, you can take the fat and calories down a few notches by using Baked Doritos, lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-fat sour cream, and low-fat cheese.

And if you have any allergies or intolerances, simply omit or sub out the ingredients that dont work for you or your family. This recipe is super versatile!

So why not surprise your family with this heaping pile of goodness tonight!?

What Dressing For Taco Salad

Traditionally Catalina or French dressing is used on a Fritos taco salad. Ive even seen Ranch or Avocado Ranch used to great effect. .

However, the Doritos Taco Salad I grew up eating was smothered in a sweet Miracle Whip dressing. Its unorthodox, but the tangy zip really works here.

The recipe in my old church cookbook uses a combo of Miracle Whip, more sugar than I care to mention, and taco seasoning. Ive changed it up by lowering the sugar and adding a squeeze of lime juice and hot sauce.

Even if youre weirded out by Miracle Whip, I encourage you to give it a try! It combines sweet, tangy, and spicy in just the right creamy base without muddying up the salad by making everything soggy .

Instructions For Doritos Taco Salad

Step 1

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease as needed and return to the heat.

Step 2

Add the taco seasoning and water to the browned beef. Stir to mix and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Set aside the meat to cool.

Step 3

While the taco meat cools, wash and chop the lettuce. Then add it to a large serving bowl.

Step 4

Next, dice the tomatoes and drain and rinse the kidney beans. Dump the tomatoes, beans, and cheese into a separate mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Step 5

Add the vegetable and cheese mixture to the lettuce. Then add the taco meat and crushed Doritos.

Pour the Zesty Italian dressing over the top of the salad, toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Read Also: Healthy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

What Goes In A Taco Salad

You can modify this recipe however youd like or based on what you have on hand! I have used diced chicken breast in place of ground beef , I also use different types of peppers and I like to kick up the heat a notch using spicy Doritos!

Use the veggies you love and make it your own masterpiece! It is just so easy to prepare and to top it off it tastes fantastic!

How Do You Make Dorito Taco Salad

How to Make Dorito Taco Salad

Anyone can make this Taco Salad recipe because its so easy! If you can brown hamburger you can make it since thats the hardest part of the entire recipe.

  • Brown Hamburger Grab your skillet and brown the hamburger then drain off the grease.
  • Mix Ingredients Mix it together with lettuce, dressing, tomatoes, onion and cheddar cheese in large bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Serve When you are ready to serve it mix in the Doritos and top with dressing!

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Recipe Variations And Substitutions

  • You can easily substitute chicken or turkey for ground beef.
  • Substitute Cool Ranch Doritos for Nacho Cheese.
  • If you do not have Catalina Dressing, you can use Ranch Dressing instead.
  • This salad is so versatile, you can add in your favorite taco toppings and almost any variety of beans like pinto beans, garbanzo beans, red kidney beans, etc.

Tools Used To Make Dorito Taco Salad:

  • Pyrex Mixing Bowls with Lids- I love my mixing bowls with lids because then I am able to stack things up with the fridge. Plus, glass is nice for when I need to microwave whatever is in it.
  • Cast Iron Skillet A cast iron skillet is a kitchen must have. It heats evenly and gives meats a nice crust. I love browning my ground meat in this pan!
  • Salad Spinner Got this as a wedding over 10 years ago and its still spinning strong. Drying lettuce couldnt be any easier!

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Why You Know You Will Love This Dorito Taco Salad

Doritos: I have to admit sweet chili is my flavor, because I really like combination of sweetness and spiciness, so good.

Black beans and vegan ground beef crumbles are always here for a pretty darn texture.

The dressing: seriously my Catalina Dressing is amazing here, but to aim for more variety I can tell you Ive tried Ranch Dressing and Thousand Island Dressing as well and it was so good.

Step by step pictures make everything so visually easy to prepare. You wont believe how fast it can be to prepare something great.

How To Make Doritos Taco Salad With Doritos And Catalina Dressing

Dorito Taco Salad

Luckily, Scooter Britches was able to help with a great deal of the prep. Of course, I prepared the taco meat ahead of time so she wouldnt have to wait around on that step. My dad chopped the tomatoes. At three-years-old, SBs patience is often lacking when it comes to certain recipe steps. I just prep the things I know are dangerous or out of her ability in advance when I can.

First, we added the cooked and chilled taco meat to a large bowl. Then, we added the cheese, olives, tomatoes, and beans. We did all of this before we left for church on Sunday.

Then, she enjoyed pouring the Catalina into the taco meat. I had to monitor this step more closely to ensure she didnt pour more than the 1/2 bottle I wanted. Actually, I should have poured the half bottle into a measuring cup ahead of time to better ensure this.

Next, I put the bowl back in the refrigerator until after church.

After church, we pulled out the bowl and added the rest of the ingredients: the Doritos and the lettuce.

As you can see, SB really enjoyed helping to crush the Doritos and pouring them into the bowl. And, yes, we did have a hair bow switch since the white one was lost at church that morning. Observant one, arent you?

Next, she added a bit more cheese.

Finally, our cold Dorito taco salad lunch was ready to be served!

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Dorito Salad Step By Step Instructions

  • Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the chopped onion and cook until beef is no longer pink. I snuck some chopped green chile peppers into the mix. The recipe doesnt call for this, but I just couldnt help myself. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and cook for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the beans in chile sauce and stir until the beans have blended with the ground beef mixture. Continue cooking until the beans are heated through.

  • Step 4: Build that salad: Start by placing the chopped lettuce in your favorite large salad bowl.
  • Step 5: Load up those greens with the ingredients. Browned ground beef meat and bean mix, sliced olives, chopped tomatoes and the taco chips. We like Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos for this recipe,
  • Step 6: Add the Catalina Dressing and with salad tongs, mix well until the ingredients are well coated.
  • Step 7: Top the salad with grated cheese and serve immediately.

Easy Catalina Taco Salad Recipe

If you like a traditional taco salad, youll probably like this version. Catalina dressing provides a fun twist that makes the salad taste slightly different but in a good way.

This delicious salad can be an easy meal all by itself or as the main dish with some sides.

Or you can serve it with any of your favorite soups. If your family likes to go full-on taco, try it with some taco soup that youll see in the section titled More Fun Family Dinner Ideas below.

Its also a great addition to potluck get-togethers or family gatherings. Youll be surprised that even picky eaters only the taco flavors in this salad.

Also Check: Jersey Mike’s Chicken Salad

Can You Make Doritos Taco Salad Ahead Of Time

You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but I do not recommend tossing the salad together until just before serving. The dressing will make the chips and vegetables soggy as it sits, so this is best enjoyed right away.

To prep in advance, I suggest cutting up the vegetables, cooking the taco meat, and grating the cheese up to 1 day in advance. Keep the ingredients wrapped in the refrigerator and then combine them when you’re ready to enjoy!

Easy Dorito Taco Salad

Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

Dorito Taco Salad is refreshing, flavor packed, and full of texture! Its a 30-minute family favorite that is not only delicious but loaded with protein and fiber.

I grew up on this Dorito Taco Salad and Ive continued to make it for my family. Its full of vegetables which mean lots of fiber and the beans and meat add tons of protein. For more delicious salads that a filling enough to be a meal, try Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad, Kale Salad with Roasted Vegetables, and Tuna Chopped Salad.

Read Also: How To Cook Tuna For Tuna Salad

Timesaving Tips To Make This Perfect Every Time

  • Make sure to toss immediately before serving. You can add condiments such as pepper chilis and hot sauce if you like.
  • You can make this with Thousand Island dressing to change it up both result in a tasty salad!
  • Be sure to serve chips on the side if you think you will have leftovers as the chips will get soggy if mixed with the salad over a long period of time.
  • For best results prepare salad just prior to serving, this salad does not keep well in the refrigerator once ingredients are combined.

What Is Dorito Taco Salad

Im betting if you ever went to a church potluck as a kid, you have eaten, or at least seen, Dorito Taco Salad. It was the go-to recipe for so many gatherings back in the day. Lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cheese, taco meat, cheese and of course Doritos chips come together in one of the most delicious salads ever. The most unique part of this retro classic was/is the dressing. Most recipes call for it to be topped with Catalina dressing, and actually mixed well before serving. That is the way I always had it as a kid, but I know other families enjoy it topped with ranch as well. For my boys, I left the dressing on the side and they topped theirs with salsa and sour cream instead.

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Pure Heaven In A Salad

The crushed Doritos give the taco salad intense flavor and crunch, while the ranch dip provides a zesty cool balance to the hot taco meat.

Heaven. The Ultimate Dorito Taco Salad Recipe is pure heaven.

However, this may not be the healthiest salad on A Spicy Perspective, but I assure you, your family will think its one of the best.

How To Make Taco Salad:

How to make TACO SALAD with Doritos : Quick & Easy Recipes!! Hamburger and Lettuce

Time needed: 30 minutes.

  • Cook the onions

    Heat 2 teaspoon oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Push the onions out toward the edges of the pan and turn heat up to medium-high.

  • Brown the meat

    Add the ground beef and let it sit and sear for 2-3 minutes. Flip and let it cook another 2 minutes. Break meat apart with a meat chopper or wooden spoon and let it sear again. Continue to chop up and brown meat. Once browned, drain off the grease.

  • Simmer

    Add the meat/onions back to the pan along with the water and taco seasoning. Mix together, bring to simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer 10-15 minutes or until tender . Place in a bowl and let cool slightly.

  • Assemble & Enjoy!

    In a large bowl, add lettuce, beans, cheese, corn, tomatoes, and olives. Add the Doritos, meat, avocado, and dressing just before serving. Toss until evenly coated in dressing and serve.

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    How To Make Taco Salad

    If you happen to have leftover taco beef from a prior recipe, its perfect in this taco salad recipe. In fact, I often make a double batch of taco meat to store in my freezer for extra quick meals on busy weeknights.

    It takes me just seconds to defrost it for quick tacos, taco salads or even for a tray of Loaded Tater Tot Nachos!

    The remaining ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand. Pinto beans and sliced black olives in the canned variety are always staples in my pantry. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, peppers and sour cream are items I always have on hand.

    And OF COURSE you cant forget the Doritos, we love the Nacho Cheese Flavor in this taco salad but you can use your favorite flavor!

    Ingredients For Doritos Taco Salad

    Ground Beef I like to a 90% lean ground beef, but you can use one with a little more fat too.

    Taco Seasoning You can use a taco seasoning packet from the grocery store or use Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Beans I like to use dark red kidney beans for this recipe

    Lettuce Romaine lettuce is the perfect lettuce for this salad

    Cheese Cheddar is what I typically use, but you can use a Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend

    Tomatoes Any fresh tomato variety works for this salad.

    Onions Purple onions make this flavorful and colorful.

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    Using Chicken Instead Of Ground Beef

    To make your Doritos taco salad a little bit healthier, feel free to swap out the beef for lean ground chicken or turkey. You can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

    Simply remove the skin and carve the breast meat from the bones. Then, use two forks to shred the meat, or simply cut it into bite sized pieces.

    If you have the time , consider grilling a couple of boneless skinless chicken breasts on your barbecue grill. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you could poach them. Or, you could even use my recipe and make the Perfect Baked Chicken Breast!

    Tips For Making Doritos Taco Salad

    Dorito Taco Salad Recipe
    • Let the taco seasoned beef cool a bit before adding it. You dont want it to wilt your lettuce!
    • Dont add the dressing or the chips until you are ready to toss and serve!
    • For an added twist blacken your corn!
    • If you dont like a particular ingredient swap it out for another. As I always say dont throw the baby out with the bath water.
    • The salad dressing can be mixed up to 2 days in advance.

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    How To Make Dorito Taco Salad For A Crowd

    Luckily, this easy Dorito taco salad recipe was given to me by one of my favorite teacher friends. Unluckily, she and her family moved away several years ago, but I just know this cold taco salad recipe is still her go-to potluck dish at her new school! Now, it is my go-to potluck dish! Since this taco salad recipe contains ground beef and cheese, it does need to stay chilled. I put the bowl of meat, beans, cheese, olives, and tomatoes in the teachers lounge fridge when I arrive at school. At lunchtime, I just crush up the Doritos and toss them in with the lettuce just before serving.

    Before you go, please swing by and visit the other Kids Kitchen features for the month of May:

    Taco Salad Recipe With Catalina Dressing

    Posted on Last updated:

    This taco salad recipe with Catalina dressing is super easy to make, and its packed with flavor. Youll love how all of the ingredients come together in the most delightful wayeven the first time you make it!

    Its also called Frito taco salad or Dorito taco salad. However, I made this with the tortilla chips that I had on hand instead of Fritos. It really doesnt matter because its good with any type of corn chip.

    Although I still like the way I used to make it , this has become my favorite taco salad recipe. Thats because I love a lot of tangy flavor that the dressing provides.

    This easy taco salad recipe with Catalina dressing is a popular choice around our house. The best way to get people to the dinner table is to serve something everyone loves.

    Catalina is a great dressing, but there are others you may enjoy, such as ranch. Mix it with Rotel or your favorite salsa for a creamy salsa dressing.

    Ive also made it with French dressing, and thats good too. Its a great recipe not only because it tastes wonderful, but because its flexible.

    Regardless of how you make it, you can pretty much count on it being a big hit. This crowd pleaser salad is always a popular choice.

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    Dorito Salad With Catalina Dressing

    Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing is an old taco salad recipe from the 70’s. Everyone loves a good Mexican salad and this recipe is most certainly a crowd favorite. Ground Beef, fresh lettuce, chili beans and Fritos or Doritos mixed with a sweet and zingy dressing and you’ve got a winner.This Dorito salad recipe is an old family favorite

    Taco Salad Recipe With Catalina Dressing Ingredients

    WE MADE DORITOS TACO PASTA SALAD

    The ingredients for this salad are very straightforward, but somewhat flexible. Its easy to make substitutions without sacrificing flavor.

    Heres what youll need:

    • Lean ground beef
    • Tangy Catalina dressing
    • Taco seasoning
    • Canned chili beans, drained
    • Diced onion
    • Jalapeno peppers
    • Pepper jack cheese

    Remember that the best ingredients are the ones you like. So if something sounds good, add it. If youre unsure of how it will taste on the salad, try just a little bit and take a bite.

    The reverse is also true. If you prefer to have a simple salad with just lettuce, tomato, and a seasoned beef mixture, thats okay too.

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