A crunchy, cheesy, customizable taco salad packed with bold flavors and perfect for parties or quick family dinners.
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Dietary Tags: Kid-Friendly, Crowd-Pleaser, Customizable
đź“ť Ingredients
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Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips, broken into bite-sized pieces
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Lean ground beef
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Taco seasoning mix
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Red onion, diced
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Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Lettuce, shredded
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Tomatoes, chopped
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Italian dressing
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Ranch dressing
🔪 Instructions
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Cook the beef
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In a skillet, crumble and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
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Season and sauce
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Stir in the taco seasoning.
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Add the Italian dressing and ranch dressing, combining well.
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Simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Prep the veggies and cheese
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Shred the lettuce.
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Chop the tomatoes.
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Dice the red onion.
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Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
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Assemble or serve buffet-style
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Option 1: Mix everything—lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cheese, seasoned beef, and Doritos—together in a large bowl.
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Option 2: Place each ingredient in separate bowls so everyone can customize their own salad.
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Enjoy immediately!
đź’ˇ Notes & Tips
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Use lean beef (90% or higher) to keep the salad lighter.
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For extra crunch, add Doritos right before serving.
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Leftovers tip: Keep components separate for freshness.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Optional for blog photo series: Browning beef → mixing dressings and seasoning → prepping veggies → final assembly)
Pro Tip: If you like spice, serve with hot sauce or jalapeños!
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Ingredient Notes:
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Chips: Dorito Nacho Cheese adds bold flavor, but Cool Ranch is a fun variation.
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Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best, but Monterey Jack or Mexican blends are great too.
Swaps & Variations:
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Meatless: Use seasoned black beans or plant-based ground beef.
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Lighter Version: Swap out regular ranch for light ranch or a Greek yogurt ranch.
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Low-carb: Skip the Doritos and serve as a taco lettuce bowl.
Equipment Note: Just a good skillet and a mixing spoon—you’re all set.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Add-Ins:
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Black olives
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Avocado or guacamole
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Sliced jalapeños
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Corn or black beans
Serving Suggestion:
Perfect for taco nights, potlucks, or even as a game day snack.
Pairing Idea: Serve with margaritas or a light Mexican beer.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Keep all components separate in airtight containers. Best enjoyed fresh.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Cook and season the beef up to 2 days ahead. Prep veggies the night before.
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Leftover Note: Once mixed, the salad should be eaten within a few hours to avoid soggy chips.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)
Calories: ~420 kcal | Carbs: 20g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 28g (varies by dressing/cheese choices)
W-W Points (per serving, based on 8 servings):
➡️ 11 Points (using lean ground beef, regular Doritos, full-fat cheese, and standard dressings)
➡️ 7 Points if you use extra lean beef, light ranch, reduced-fat cheese, and portion-controlled Doritos (1 oz per serving).
Tip: If you’re following W-W PersonalPoints or a newer plan, input your specific brands/amounts into the app for exact points.
Allergens: Milk, Corn (chips), Possible gluten (check taco seasoning & dressings)
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken work well and slightly lower the W-W points.
Q: How can I keep the chips from getting soggy?
A: Add Doritos right before serving or let each person add their own.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Prep all components in advance, but assemble just before eating.
Q: Any vegetarian alternatives?
A: Swap beef for seasoned black beans or lentils.
đź“ť The Story Behind the Recipe
This Dorito Taco Salad has been a party staple in my family for years. It’s one of those “assemble your own” meals that everyone—from picky kids to adults—can enjoy. Plus, it’s an easy way to turn taco night into something fresh and fun without much fuss.