Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
A crunchy taco salad loaded with Doritos is the kind of weeknight dinner that gets requested again and again, and this reader-submitted version is no exception. Seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, crisp iceberg lettuce, and broken Doritos chips come together under a creamy picante dressing with a drizzle of sweet Catalina dressing on top. The two-dressing combination gives every bite a balance of tang and sweetness you won’t get from a single dressing alone. It’s ready in about 35 minutes with no oven needed, making it an easy Tex-Mex dinner for busy weeknights or summer gatherings.
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Why you should try this recipe
This Dorito Taco Salad succeeds brilliantly by combining the beloved flavors of tacos with the satisfying crunch of Doritos chips. The two-dressing approach creates incredible depth – a creamy salsa dressing coats all the ingredients, while the sweet-tangy Catalina dressing adds a bright finishing touch. By cooling the meat mixture before combining with the fresh ingredients, you maintain the perfect temperature contrast between warm and cool elements. The combination of proteins, vegetables, and crunchy chips ensures this salad satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
Dorito Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing – Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s what you will need to make this Dorito taco salad recipe:
- Ground Beef – Provides hearty protein and savory foundation
- Red Kidney Beans – Adds protein, fiber, and creamy texture
- Onion – Contributes aromatic flavor and slight crunch
- Iceberg Lettuce – Creates a crisp, refreshing base that holds up to other ingredients
- Tomatoes – Adds fresh acidity and bright color
- Cheddar Cheese – Contributes rich, savory flavor and creamy texture
- Doritos Chips – Delivers the signature crunch and bold flavor
- Pace Picante Salsa – Forms a flavor-packed base for the dressing
- Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy texture in the dressing
- Catalina Dressing – Adds a sweet-tangy finish that brightens the entire dish
Ingredient Notes
- Catalina dressing is a sweet-tangy, tomato-based dressing similar to French dressing but thinner, with a more pronounced ketchup flavor. Buy it ready-made, or make your own with ketchup, vinegar, oil, sugar, and seasonings.
- Look for a small, individual-sized bag of Doritos, so you have the right amount without a lot of leftover chips.
What Is Catalina Dressing?
Catalina dressing is similar to French dressing but is thinner and redder due to its higher ketchup content. You can buy ready-made Catalina dressing or make Catalina dressing.
How to Make Taco Salad with Doritos
Here are the simple steps to make this tasty Tex-Mex salad:
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet, add the kidney beans, and set the mixture aside to cool.
- Stir the salsa, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper together.
- Place the lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and cheese in a large bowl.
- Add the beef mixture and Doritos chips.
- Pour the salsa dressing over everything and toss to combine.
- Serve and drizzle Catalina Dressing over the salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Freezer Storage: Not recommended. The lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing all turn watery once thawed.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store undressed components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Once dressed and combined with the Doritos, the salad only lasts about 8 hours before the chips turn soggy.
- Reheating Method: This salad is served cold. Only the beef and bean mixture needs reheating if made ahead; warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, then cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
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Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Ingredients
Picante Dressing
- 16 ounces Pace Picante Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14 ounces red kidney beans drained
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups grated cheese
- 1 small package Doritos nacho chips broken
- 8 ounces Catalina salad dressing
Instructions
Picante Dressing
- Combine the picante sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Mix well and set aside.
Salad
- Sauté the onion and ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain.
- Add the kidney beans, mix well, and set aside to cool.
- When ready to serve, place the chopped lettuce in a large bowl.
- Add the beef mixture, tomatoes, cheese, and Doritos.
- Pour the picante dressing over the salad along with a small amount of Catalina dressing and mix well. Alternatively, you can serve the Catalina dressing on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
What Is Catalina Dressing?
Catalina dressing is a vibrant red, sweet-tangy salad dressing similar to French dressing but with a thinner consistency and more pronounced tomato flavor. The bright red color comes from its high ketchup or tomato paste content, and it typically includes oil, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. While you can purchase ready-made Catalina dressing in most grocery stores, it’s also relatively simple to make at home by combining ketchup, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, and seasonings.
Ingredient Substitutions and Modifications
- Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, or use leftover rotisserie chicken
- Bean Variations: Replace kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans
- Cheese Choices: Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican cheese blend
- Lettuce Alternatives: Swap iceberg for romaine or a spring mix for added nutrition
- Dressing Options: Replace Catalina with Thousand Island, Western, Ranch, or French dressing
- Chip Varieties: Experiment with Nacho Cheese Doritos, Cool Ranch Doritos, or Chili Cheese Fritos
- Added Vegetables: Enhance with corn, black olives, bell peppers, avocado, or cucumber
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Dressed salad with chips will only last about 8 hours before becoming soggy
- Component Storage: Store prepared components separately for up to 3 days in airtight containers
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare beef mixture and dressing up to 2 days ahead; chop vegetables the morning of serving
- Avoid Freezing: This salad does not freeze well and will become watery when thawed
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Check out more of my easy salad recipes and the best Mexican food recipes on CopyKat!
Thanks to JTill0915 for this salad recipe.
My family cleaned their plates. Finally.