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A white bowl filled with Dorito Taco Salad.
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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.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 270kcal

Ingredients

For the French dressing:

For the salad:

Instructions

To make the French dressing:

  • 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

Video

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. Light olive oil: Light olive oil is milder than extra virgin which allows the other flavor-boosters to shine.
  3. Paprika: Use regular paprika (often simply labeled “Paprika” on the package) rather than hot or smoked paprika.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Lettuce: Choose something mild and crisp such as romaine, green leaf, or iceberg.
  7. Yield: This Dorito Taco Salad makes 12 servings for a light meal or satisfying side dish.
  8. Storage: This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made because the dressing will make the lettuce and Doritos soggy.
  9. 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.
  10. Chip swaps: Try this taco salad recipe with Cool Ranch Doritos, Fritos, or regular tortilla chips instead of Nacho Cheese Doritos.
  11. Taco time: For more twists on Taco Tuesday that think outside of the tortilla, try my Easy Taco Dip, Taco Pizza, Taco Stuffed Tomatoes, Easy Taco Soup, or One Pot Taco Spaghetti.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 322mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1149IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg