In this post I’m sharing how to make a Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina.
You may have seen this salad at a potluck or luncheon. It is quite popular. This delicious taco salad has Doritos mixed into it. I’ve heard it is equally delicious with Fritos corn chips also.
A Doritos taco salad for a crowd is easy to put together. The first time that I had this awesome salad was at an office luncheon party. One bite was all it took….amazing!
I don’t know where the recipe originated but you see it everywhere now. I’ve read that the founder of Fritos and Doritos did. If that’s true I’d say he came up with a winner…with the chips and the salad recipe.
Catalina Taco Salad

There is seasoned ground beef in this recipe, but you can make a taco salad without meat as well. There are beans that offer protein.
If you’re unsure about the Catalina dressing, I really suggest that you try it. The combination of ingredients work so well together in this recipe.
If your family are ranch dressing fanatics, it’s time to try a new flavor. HaHa! You could use ranch though if you really want to.
Easy Doritos Taco Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious taco salad: lettuce (I prefer Iceberg), ground beef, taco seasoning, pinto beans (kidney work too), carrots, cucumber, onion, red bell pepper, corn, tomatoes, black olives, diced jalapeno, shredded cheese and Doritos. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste easily as well.
The recipe calls for an entire nine and three quarters oz bag of Doritos but somehow I ended up with just nine ounces. Wink, Wink!
The Doritos do soften a bit once in the salad, so I wait until just before serving to add them. Not only does this salad taste really good, it is pretty to look at. I think so anyways. I love colorful food!
Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina

I’d say this salad also works for a Taco Tuesday lunch or Cinco de Mayo side dish. One thing is for sure, you’ll enjoy this tasty salad whenever possible.
More recipes you might enjoy: Black Eyed Pea Dip or Ground Beef Taco Boats
Full Printable Taco Salad Recipe
Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina

Easy and delicious taco salad with Doritos and Catalina dressing. Perfect for potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1.25 oz Packet of Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 c Water
- 1 Head of Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
- 2 or 3 Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 c Cucumber, sliced or diced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 2 Jalapeno Peppers, diced (ribs and seeds removed) - optional
- 15 oz Can of Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
- 11 oz Can of Corn Niblets, rinsed and drained
- 2.25 oz Can of Sliced Black Olives, rinsed and drained
- 1 c Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 c Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- 3/4 c Catalina Dressing, or more if needed to dress the salad.
- 9.75 oz Bag of Doritos
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, drain of excess oil.
- Add taco seasoning and water then mix to combine.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid has evaporated.
- Allow the meat mixture to cool a few minutes to room temperature.
- Combine the meat mixture, vegetables and shredded cheese together.
- Next, add the dressing and toss to combine.
- Crunch the Doritos in the bag to break into smaller pieces then add to the salad and mix to combine.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Amount Per Serving: Calories: 409Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 643mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 7gSugar: 9gProtein: 19g
Be sure to check out our Doritos Taco Salad Video in this post

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See this recipe shared at Foodie Friday, Meal Plan Monday, Weekend Potluck
Meet Julia
Author of Julia's Simply Southern
About Julia
Hey Y'all! I'm Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia's Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Sheryl
Tuesday 21st of May 2019
I plan to make this for a ladies luncheon at church. Should I keep ingredients separate till last minute to keep from getting soggy and mix it just before serving or it is ok to mix it ahead. Will be 1 to 1 1/2 hours from time I get ingredients done till eaten. Thanks!! It looks so delicious!!
Julia Jordan
Tuesday 21st of May 2019
If you need to make it ahead then I would layer the ingredients (beef on bottom then heavy vegetables, cheese then lettuce and combine with dressing before serving and add the Doritos. This will keep everything from getting soggy.
Deanne
Saturday 18th of May 2019
My all time favorite potluck salad. YUM!!!
Julia Jordan
Saturday 18th of May 2019
It's so fun..and who doesn't love Doritos!
Debby
Friday 3rd of May 2019
Looks like the perfect meal to me! I love a bunch of flavor, and this looks like a major flavorful explosion!
Julia Jordan
Friday 3rd of May 2019
Debby, Thank you. It is so delicious!
Carlee
Thursday 2nd of May 2019
We make something similar with Fritos, I'll have to make the Doritos version next time!
Julia Jordan
Thursday 2nd of May 2019
I've heard it is good with Fritos too. I need to try it your way ;)
Martha Kreider
Monday 29th of April 2019
Why is there no mrntion of the cucumbers in the list of ingredients>
Julia Jordan
Monday 29th of April 2019
HaHa, it popped in my head that I forgot to list it while we were eating dinner tonight. Thank you for the reminder also. I've added it to the ingredient list.