Easy to make and even easier to eat, this Doritos Taco Salad recipe is just as beefy, crunchy and cheesy as standalone tacos, but in a veggie-packed salad. We love taking this recipe to potlucks or enjoying it for an easy family dinner.

Try our other variations on taco salad: Shrimp Taco Salad and Fish Taco Salad Bowls.

Why You Should Make A Retro Doritos Taco Salad

Doritos Taco Salad in two bowls on a wooden table.

Table of Contents

This Doritos Taco Salad is one of those old church potluck recipes that instantly sends my taste buds into nostalgia overload. Like Amish Chicken and Noodles, Cherry Delight, and Johnny Marzetti, it’s the kind of recipe that hits different not because it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had before, but because it tastes exactly like a dish you loved as a kid.

The taco salad recipe I grew up eating (and found in an old church cookbook) was made with a Miracle Whip dressing with more sugar than I care to admit. I’ve updated it slightly with less sugar more lime juice, and a little heat, but I promise I left in all the nostalgia.

Whether you grew up eating this classic or not, we think it deserves a spot on your table. Here’s why:

It’s a one bowl meal. Meat, veggies, cheese, chips, sweet and savory flavors and all the textures–creamy, crunchy, and crisp. Even if nothing else ends up on your plate, you’re covered.
It can be whatever you need it to be. No matter what you were assigned to bring to the party, Doritos Taco Salad qualifies. It can be a side, a main dish, an appetizer, and the word “salad” is in the title. It is truly the Swiss army knife of the potluck.
It’s quick and simple. The only cooking involved is browning some ground beef. The only other skill you’ll even need is the ability to open a can and do some light chopping.
It’s kid (and grown up!) friendly. Finding a recipe that excites both the kids and the adults in the house is always a challenge, but this one is it. Our kids love to eat it “deconstructed,” picking and choosing their own favorite toppings.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients for Doritos Taco Salad in prep bowls.

For the salad:

Iceberg lettuce– We love the fresh crunch of iceberg, but you can also use romaine lettuce, or a mix of lettuces.
Tomato– Choose ripe, in season tomatoes. Slicers, romas, or cherry and grape tomatoes all work well.
Avocado– I love the addition of creamy avocado, but you can omit this if you prefer, or if you’re making the salad ahead of time.
Cheese– Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese both work well in this recipe.
Ground beef– Ground beef seasoned with our homemade taco seasoning makes this a hearty dinner salad.
Red kidney beans– Beans round out the meal with another source of protein and fiber.

For the dressing:

Miracle Whip– Yes, I know! Miracle Whip feels like a bit of a throw back. But for this recipe, there really is nothing quite as good as the tangy zip of miracle whip.
Sour cream– Adds the signature tang that pairs so well with taco dishes.
Sugar– Just a bit! The sweet dressing is unique to this recipe!
Lime juice– For that fresh, citrusy zing.
More taco seasoning– We’re not skimping on flavor here!
Tabasco hot sauce– You can customize this to your tastes, but we love for the dressing to have a little kick.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and amounts.

How To Make Doritos Taco Salad

Creamy dressing for doritos taco salad in a bowl

Step 1: Make the dressing. Whisk together the Miracle Whip, sour cream, sugar, lime juice, taco seasoning, and hot sauce.

Sauteed ground beef and onions in a frying pan.

Step 2: Saute the beef. Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add beef and onions and saute, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. .

Seasoned ground beef and kidney beans in a skillet.

Step 3: Add beans and seasoning. Stir in the beans and taco seasoning. Drain any excess grease off the pan. Set aside.

a bowl of doritos taco salad sits on a table with napkin and other ingredients

Step 4: Toss together. Toss together the lettuce, tomato, avocado, and kidney bean and ground beef mixture. Stir in crumbled Doritos and salad dressing and serve.

Variations and Substitions

Customize the veggies. Feel free to add corn or bell peppers, or swap the yellow onion that’s sauteed with the beef for fresh diced red onion.
Swap the beans. Swap kidney beans for pinto beans or black beans, or omit them entirely.
Use a store bought dressing. Catalina dressing or French dressing is a classic pairing for Doritos Taco Salad. You could also swap in our Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing.
Use different chips. You can make this taco salad with Nacho Cheese Doritos, Cool Ranch Doritos, plain tortilla chips, or even Fritos.
Make a layered taco salad. This is a great way to take this salad to potlucks! In a large bowl, layer the lettuce, meat mixture, tomatoes, cheese, and dressing. (I recommend leaving the avocado out in the layered version). Top with crumbled Doritos right before serving.

Salad with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and Doritos in a bowl.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

To make ahead: The beef mixture, dressing, and individual salad ingredients (besides the avocado), can all be prepped up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in separate containers. This is great for meal prepping! If you’re layering the salad, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Note that grape or cherry tomatoes work best for the layered salad.
For leftovers: Store leftovers in separate containers in the fridge, if possible. The beef mixture will keep up to 5 days, and the dressing will keep for up to a week. Enjoy it as a sandwich spread or on Taco Burgers!

Taco Salad with ground beef and doritos in a white bowl.

More Taco Recipes to Enjoy

If you love a zesty Tex-Mex style dinner, try these other favorites.