Dorito Taco Salad with Ground Beef (Gluten-Free Option)
This Dorito Taco Salad is a simple and flavorful dish made with seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy nacho cheese chips. Everything comes together cold in one bowl, making it an ideal quick dinner—especially during warmer months. The salad is tossed with Catalina dressing, creating a tangy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the taco meat and toppings.
What makes this recipe especially convenient is how customizable it is. You can add optional mix-ins like black beans, corn, cheese, and olives to fit your taste. It also easily adapts to gluten-free diets—just select gluten-free chips and taco seasoning. Whether you prepare one large bowl or assemble salads individually, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Dorito Taco Salad with Ground Beef (Gluten-Free Option)
Course: Lunch or DinnerCuisine: Tex-Mex InspiredDifficulty: Easy4–6
servings4
minutes10
minutesNot specified
kcalIngredients
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 package romaine lettuce
1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 bag Dorito Nacho Cheese Chips (or gluten-free alternative)
Catalina dressing
- Optional add-ins:
Shredded cheddar cheese
15 oz can black beans, drained
1 small red onion, sliced
1 can fiesta corn, drained
Sliced black olives
Avocado (optional suggestion mentioned)
Directions
- Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain the excess grease. - Season the Meat
Return the beef to the skillet and add either 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning or 1 package of taco seasoning, along with ½ cup of water. Cook according to seasoning instructions until fully incorporated and heated through. - Prep the Vegetables
Trim and wash the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Add the lettuce to a large bowl and further chop if desired for a finer texture. - Add Optional Toppings (If Using)
Mix optional additions into the bowl such as drained black beans, drained fiesta corn, sliced red onion, or sliced black olives. Adjust based on family preferences—some toppings may be added individually when serving. - Combine the Salad Base
Add the cooked taco meat into the bowl with the lettuce and vegetables, then toss everything together. If you plan to store leftovers, keep ingredients separate to avoid soggy lettuce. - Serve and Finish
When ready to serve, portion the salad into bowls. Top each salad with shredded cheddar cheese, crushed Dorito nacho cheese chips (or gluten-free alternative), and Catalina dressing. Lightly mix to coat the salad and enjoy.
Recipe Video
Notes
- If you won’t be eating the full salad at once, store all components separately and assemble only when serving—otherwise the lettuce will become soggy.
