This Keto Taco Salad is what to make when you are short on time or long on things you would rather do than cook! My 4-Ingredient Tex Mex Dressing takes things to the next level. The whole meal takes less than 25 minutes to make and keeps perfectly for lunch all week. This is a go-to recipe that you'll want to make time and again.
Since my early 30's, I've had a love affair with salads.
This Low Carb Taco Salad is just the kind of salad I love!
It is so simple to make and packs all the flavors of tacos into a delicious bowl. With crispy romaine, cheese, grape tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned meat all topped off with cilantro and my 4-Ingredient Tex Mex Dressing, this is one of those easy dishes you will find yourself making regularly. (Don't miss the Tex Mex Dressing - it is the PERFECT keto dressing for taco salad.
If time is short, feel free to use any dressing you like. Just make sure it is a good one…because life is too short for salads with bad dressings. A simple ranch dressing would be good here, and you can typically find keto and low-carb-friendly options at the grocery store.
If you want to get fancy, make some cheese crisps for that extra crunch factor. Or add some olives for an extra salty kick. You can even top it with a dollop of sour cream. (Because almost everything is better with sour cream.) This is one of those no-fuss dishes that is easy to get creative with.
I like to double this recipe so that I have a grab-and-go lunch in the fridge.
Ingredients for Making Keto Taco Salad Recipe
- Onion: I used yellow onion, but you can use whatever type of onion you happen to have on hand.
- Ground Beef: I like 80/20 for the most flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: I recommend homemade taco seasoning. If you choose to buy taco seasoning, make sure you read the label.
- Broth: You can use water if you don't have beef broth on hand.
- Lettuce: I like romaine lettuce in a taco salad, but you could use spring mix if you prefer.
- Avocado: If you are making this ahead of time, make sure you wait to add this just before serving.
- Cheese: I like cheddar cheese here. I prefer to shred my own because most shredded cheese has additives that you are better off without.
- Tomatoes: If you are trying to reduce the total carbs, feel free to omit.
- Cilantro: This adds a nice pop of flavor.
- Dressing: I like to enjoy this with my Tex Mex Dressing, but if you prefer, you can top it with salsa and sour cream.
Want to Get Creative? More Toppings to Try!
- Guacamole
- Fresh or pickled Jalapeno Peppers
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Olives
- Red onion
- Red peppers - raw or roastedTips & Tricks
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Frequently Asked Questions
I think of this is a meal by itself, but if you are looking for a side dish, here are some to consider.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Grilled Zucchini
Low Carb and Keto Friendly Chips (Like Quest)
Yes, this keto salad is PERFECT for meal prep! You can keep all of the prepped ingredients except for the avocado and dressing for two days covered in the refrigerator.
To keep them any longer, I recommend storing the ingredients in divided containers or separately. Otherwise, the moisture from other ingredients will start to make your lettuce soggy. Add avocado and dressing just before serving.
In most cases, it is not. This is because it typically contains beans and is served in a tortilla. This keto diet taco salad recipe is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite flavors and stay low carb. And the carb count is low! Just two net carbs per serving. (Not including the salad dressing.)
Kitchen Tools To Make This Recipe:
How to Make Keto Taco Salad
Low carb recipes don't get much easier than this!
Start by heating your skillet to medium-high.
Spray it with oil and then add the onion. Cook until tender.
Add the taco meat and cook until browned. If you have extra oil in the skillet, drain it off before adding the taco seasoning and broth.
Cook until incorporated and then remove from heat.
You can mix everything in a large bowl or divide the lettuce between serving bowls and top with the seasoned beef and remaining ingredients.
Toss with dressing and enjoy!
More Keto Recipes to Try
- Keto Ranch Chicken is a simple dinner that even kids and non-keto family members adore.
- Instant Pot Keto Chicken and Mushrooms is quick to make and packs a surprising punch of flavor. Serve it with cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Looking for more salad inspiration? You are going to love this delicious Low Carb Cobb Salad. This crunchy, fresh salad is one I turn to again and again.
Keto Taco Salad
Ingredients
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning check labels to avoid sugar; I prefer to make my own
- 2 tablespoons beef broth or water
- 8 ounces romaine lettuce
- 1 avocado diced
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup grape tomatoes quartered
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Tex Mex Dressing for serving
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and spray a skillet with oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through and browned. (About 5 minutes.)
- Drain off any grease and stir in water and taco seasoning.
- Cook for 2 more minutes, until the seasoning is well incorporated and the water has evaporated.
- Remove from heat.
- Divide the lettuce among the plates.
- Top with beef, avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve
Nutrition
More Keto Salads to Try
- BLT Lobster Roll Salad from I Breathe I'm Hungry
- Italian Sub Salad from Wicked Spatula
Stacie
Oh yum! That looks so good! Now we keto people can enjoy all the good stuff again!
Wendy
Thanks Stacie!
Candy O
This looks fabulous! I also love salads, but I have to be in the mood for them. What's in your taco seasoning? I totally checked out your dressing!
Wendy
I've been making a variation of this one for years. I use more garlic powder and use smoked paprika. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/46653/taco-seasoning-i/
Paula Schuck
WOW this meal looks exceptional. Keto taco salad is one that's going on my list. Pinning this for later. Thanks!
Wendy
Thanks for pinning and I hope you enjoy it.
Theresa
Now this is a salad recipe that both my husband (who is keto dieting) and I can both enjoy. Putting it on this weekend's meal plan!
Wendy
It really is something you can enjoy even if you aren't on a keto or low carb diet! Gotta love that.
Snehal
I am always on the go. Would love to make this keto taco salad for tonight's dinner. Healthy and yum!
Wendy
The perfect combination, right?
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
You made me so hungry for taco salad! I love your photos! I will make this tomorrow. My family will have a delicious meal, thanks to you. 🙂
Wendy
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
artchee
I like tacos and I don't think you can go wrong with them. :0)
Wendy
For sure!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
I am ALL about keto right now. This looks SO good. I'll be adding it to my dinner list!
Wendy
I hope you enjoy!
Vanessa Delia
I'm always looking for an easier meal that's still healthy. With a new baby, I don't have squat for time.
Wendy
Oh, I remember those days so clearly. My youngest is 6, but it feels like yesterday. Take care of yourself!!!
BIanca
Looks so delicious. Easy to make and looks super healthy too. Definitely, love trying easy recipes at home.
Wendy
Thank you!
Heather
Living the keto life has me loving this salad!
Wendy
Yay! I always feel better when I eat salad on Keto.
Porsha Carr
I love taco salad in anyway shape or form I can only imagine how delicious these are!
Wendy
I know - what is not to love, right?
Kiwi
I am craving tacos now! These look delicious!!
Wendy
Thank you!
Sharon Wu
this taco salad looks so good and healthy! thanks for sharing
Vic
This keto salad is perfect as I just started doing keto diet. Thanks a lot for sharing this recipe!
Mary
Where is the recipe for the Rex Mex dressing? I click on it but nothing is there?
Wendy Polisi
The link in the recipe card is working fine for me, so I am not sure how to fix the issue you are having. Here is the recipe https://kicking-carbs.com/tex-mex-dressing/
I have also added a link at the very beginning of the post in case anyone else is experiencing the same issue. Enjoy!