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Keto Taco Salad Recipe with Spicy Lime Dressing 🥗

Natasha Ekic
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Discover our Keto Taco Salad: a modern, low-carb take on the traditional Tex-Mex favorite. With perfectly seasoned ground meat, crunchy fresh veggies, and a tangy lime-infused creamy dressing, this recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures. Ready to prepare this keto delight? Let's get started!

Keto taco salad served in a bowl.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this keto salad is a breeze! Begin by sautéing the ground beef with aromatic spices, then mix up a zesty lime dressing. Layer lettuce, seasoned meat, fresh veggies, cheese, and drizzle with dressing in a bowl. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a delightful keto taco salad ready to enjoy.

Chef's note

Add a personal touch to this keto taco salad recipe by playing with its heat; amplify the spice with more hot sauce or some red pepper flakes in the dressing. Fancy a crunch? Toss in diced jalapenos. And don't limit yourself—feel free to swap out the cheese or sprinkle in extra toppings like a dollop of sour cream. This salad is all about making it uniquely yours!

Love salads? Browse through our collection of keto-friendly salad recipes. You might just find your next favorite.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings
An up-close shot of keto taco salad in a bowl.

🥗 Ingredients for this keto taco salad recipe

You'll need the following ingredients to prepare this delicious keto taco salad at home:

For the salad

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups lettuce, shredded
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced
  • ¼ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup avocado, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • Lime wedges for garnish
All the ingredients required to make keto taco salad gathered and arranged on the table.

For the creamy lime dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (sugar-free)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
All the ingredients required to make cream lime dressing gathered and arranged on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

If you're looking to switch up some of the ingredients, try these keto-friendly alternatives:

  • Olive oil: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for cooking the beef.
  • Cheddar cheese: Experiment with other keto-friendly cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder and creamier taste.
  • Chili powder: Substitute chili powder with cayenne pepper for extra heat and adjust the amount to your liking.
  • Black olives: Swap black olives with green or Kalamata olives for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  • Red onion: For a stronger flavor, use white or yellow onion.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Substitute cherry tomatoes with plum or Roma tomatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
  • Romaine lettuce: Substitute romaine with iceberg lettuce for a different texture and milder flavor.

Additional ingredients

Want to make the keto taco bowl truly your own? Experiment with the following ingredients: 

  • Crumbled bacon: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the ground beef for a smoky flavor.
  • Sliced jalapeños: Include sliced jalapeno peppers in the salad for a spicy kick.
  • Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some chopped green onions as a garnish.
  • Sour cream: Drizzle sour cream over the salad or mix it into the salad dressing for a creamier texture.
A focused shot of keto taco salad in a bowl.

Cooking tools required

To make this ground beef taco salad recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large salad bowl

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: Instead of a large cast-iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet or a regular frying pan.
  • Whisk: If you don't have a whisk, mix the dressing ingredients with a fork.
A focused shot of ground beef and black olives of a keto taco salad in a bowl.

How to make Keto Taco Salad: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Wash the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro with cold tap water.
  3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the black olives.
  4. Dice the red onion and avocado, and chop the cilantro.
  5. Grate the cheddar cheese in a small bowl.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large iron cast skillet.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat in the spices evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy lime dressing — olive oil, lime juice, hot sauce, ground cumin, and mayonnaise. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
  5. In a large salad bowl, assemble the taco salad. Start with a bed of shredded romaine lettuce.
  6. Top the lettuce with sautéed ground beef, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, black olives, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Drizzle the spicy lime dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and serve.

Chef's pro tip

Avoid overcooking the beef; following the suggested time ensures it remains tender. Drain off excess fat, but retain a bit. This enhances the flavor when combined with spices.

What to serve with taco salad?

This low-carb taco salad pairs well with several dishes. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

  • Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor and a nice crunch, complementing the freshness of the keto salad.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty taste and texture of Brussels sprouts pair well with the richness of the beef.
  • Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb swap for regular rice, cauliflower rice goes well with taco salad and keeps the meal light and satisfying.
  • Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy crisps are made using only two ingredients and pair deliciously with the taco salad. 
A close-up shot of a lemon wedge, black olives, and greens of a keto taco salad in a bowl.

How to make it healthier?

Here's how you can make this keto Mexican salad even healthier:

  • Choose lean ground beef to cut down on saturated fat and reduce the dish's total calories.
  • For a lighter take, cut back on the mayonnaise in the spicy lime dressing or opt for a low-fat or yogurt-based alternative. This tweak can help lower the calorie count.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-washed and packaged romaine lettuce to save time on washing and chopping.
  • If you're short on time, use pre-packaged items like sliced black olives or pre-shredded cheese.
An up-close view of homemade keto taco salad served in a bowl.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Wash, chop, and store all the veggies in advance to have them ready to assemble.
  • Make the keto taco salad dressing ahead of time and store it in a jar or airtight container in the fridge.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It'll remain fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure you store the meat, fresh veggies, and dressing separately.

Best reheating practices

Since this is a salad recipe, you only need to reheat the refrigerated beef. If you choose to do so, use one of these methods:

  • Microwave: Place the seasoned ground beef in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Heat on medium-high power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the meat is hot.
  • Stovetop: Heat the leftover ground beef in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to a low temperature around 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover ground beef in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until the meat is heated through.
A focused shot of low-carb keto taco salad in a bowl.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Taco Salad offers a fresh twist on the cherished Tex-Mex favorite. Great for a flavorful lunch or a filling dinner, this salad is perfect for those looking for a tasty keto option.

Looking to diversify your weekly menu? Dive into this keto taco salad bowl. With each savory bite, it might just earn a regular spot in your meal plan.

On the hunt for more tasty keto salad recipes? Explore these choices:

A bowl of homemade keto taco salad.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, taco salad can be keto-friendly when made with low-carb ingredients. Traditional taco salads might have high-carb items like tortilla chips. However, a keto version typically includes lean meat, leafy greens, cheese, and a low-carb dressing, which makes it suitable for a ketogenic diet.

The number of carbs in taco salad varies depending on the ingredients you've used. A typical keto-friendly taco salad has 5 to 10 grams of net carbs per serving.

Don't leave a salad out for more than 2 hours, especially if it has meat, dairy, or mayo in it. It's best to refrigerate it quickly to keep it safe to eat.

Yes, lettuce is perfect for a keto diet. It's a low-carb vegetable commonly included in keto-friendly salads and other dishes.

Yes, you can eat a salad every day on a keto diet. Salads made with leafy greens, high-fat dressings, and quality proteins align well with the nutritional requirements of a ketogenic diet.

📖 Recipe

Keto-friendly taco salad in a bowl.

Keto Taco Salad

Make a quick Keto Taco Salad with spiced beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy lime dressing, and personalize it with your favorite toppings!
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: keto salad, keto taco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 509kcal

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups lettuce shredded
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup red onion diced
  • ¼ cup black olives pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup avocado diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup cheddar cheese grated
  • Lime wedges for garnish

For the creamy lime dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce sugar-free
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large iron cast skillet.
  • Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat in the spices evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Next, in a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the spicy lime dressing — olive oil, lime juice, hot sauce, ground cumin, and mayonnaise. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
  • In a large salad bowl, assemble the taco salad. Start with a bed of shredded romaine lettuce.
  • Top the lettuce with sautéed ground beef, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, black olives, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Drizzle the spicy lime dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Taco Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 509 Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Fat 44g68%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 21g
Cholesterol 91mg30%
Sodium 345mg15%
Potassium 556mg16%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 865IU17%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 102mg10%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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