All the flavor of your favorite taco salad, but none of the added carbs!
I don’t know about you, but when I get a craving for a big, loaded taco salad, nothing else will do. That’s why I love this low-carb version—because in less time than it takes to find my favorite taco salad on DoorDash, I can be sitting down to this beauty, fork in hand. It’s got all the savory satisfaction of the restaurant kind, only without the carb-heavy shell bowl or other not-so-healthy extras.
With this delicious salad, you’ll never miss that taco shell bowl. Here, seasoned ground beef is sizzled in olive oil for a savory, full-bodied base. Creamy avocado brings a buttery richness that smooths out the spice, while juicy cherry tomatoes burst with their acidic, garden-fresh sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Sharp cheddar melts just enough over the warm beef to mingle with the cool, tangy salsa.
That squeeze of lime juice doesn’t just add brightness—it activates and elevates every flavor in the bowl. Its zesty, acidic notes make the entire salad taste more vibrant. And I know some folks think they don’t care for cilantro, but here it really plays nicely off that lime juice, salsa, seasoned beef, and tomatoes, adding a fresh, green lift that makes the whole salad taste cleaner and more lively.
And if you’ve got a few minutes to play with extra toppings, you can take it from delicious to downright unforgettable.
Great keto ways to amp up this taco salad
When I’m cooking for clients who love a good taco salad, I’ve learned that the magic is in layering flavors and textures that keep each bite interesting. Swap the cheddar for tangy cotija or spicy pepper jack to shake up the flavor profile. If you crave crunch, sprinkle on crushed pork rinds or a few broken cheese crisps just before serving so they stay crisp. For a smoky edge, stir a little crumbled chorizo into the ground beef or add strips of roasted poblano. A dollop of guacamole or sour cream adds cool, creamy contrast, while pickled jalapeños or radishes bring a bright, zesty pop. And don’t underestimate a dressing upgrade—a quick lime crema (sour cream whisked with lime juice and chili powder) drizzled over the top can turn this simple salad into a plate you’ll want to make again and again.
How do I store leftovers?
You can store this salad for 2 days in the fridge assembled, or make it stay fresher longer by separating your components like I do. Simply store beef and other wet components in separate containers. That way, you can keep the cooked ground beef up to 4 days. Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. The seasoned beef can also be frozen for up to 3 months—giving you months of taco salads and tacos.
Similar recipes to try
When you’re craving fast food flavors like tacos and burgers, skip the drive-thru and dig into Pepper Porch’s Keto Big Mac Salad instead. It captures everything you love about the iconic burger and layers it into a fresh, fork-ready salad that keeps carbs low without losing the fun. For more salads that bring big flavor, try Keto Brussels Sprout Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing. Or go for the Keto Broccoli Salad, where crunchy broccoli florets mingle with sharp cheddar, bits of smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing that takes this cold salad next level!
Healthy Taco Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon taco spice
- 3 cups crispy lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- 1 avocado
- 2 tablespoons tomato salsa
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 lime juiced
Instructions
- Fry the ground beef on a medium-to-high heat in a large skillet with the olive oil and the taco spice until browned, about 5 minutes. Then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, layer the lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
- Add on the ground beef.
- Slice the avocado and spread the slices around the salad.
- Drizzle on the salsa and sprinkle on the cheese.
- Then top with a sprinkle of cilantro, the red onion slices, and squeeze on the lime. Serve and enjoy this delicious salad.
Good
Good chop, Thanks!
Anytime!
Delicious!
Thanks!