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Keto Taco Salad

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

11/04/2024

Keto Taco Salad

taco-salad

Total Time: 30 mins

Serves: 1

Per serving: 680 calories, 40 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, 55 g fat

Ingredients

3 oz hamburger meat

½ medium avocado

2 Tbsp tomato, diced

2 Tbsp onion, diced

1 lime

A sprig of cilantro 

½ tsp salt

3 cups romaine lettuce

¼ cup cheese, shredded

2 Tbsp sour cream 

Directions:

  1. Begin by cooking hamburger meat on medium heat until fully cooked, which should take 10 to 15 minutes.

  2. While meat is cooking, mash half of a medium avocado in a bowl using a whisk.

  3. Mix diced tomato, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a separate bowl.

  4. Once meat is cooked, set aside and let cool for a few minutes.

  5. Fold half of tomato mixture into mashed avocado to make guacamole. Save remaining half to use as a topping for salad. 

  6. Build your salad with romaine lettuce, cooked hamburger meat, shredded cheese, and guacamole in a large bowl.

  7. Top salad with sour cream and remaining tomato mixture.

  8. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added taste.


Recipe tips:

  • Use grass-fed beef to get the best flavor and most nutritional benefits.

  • You can use lean ground beef or regular ground beef with a higher fat content for a more juicy version. 

  • Add diced jalapenos or sprinkle with cayenne pepper to add heat to your taco salad.  

  • Make homemade taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.

  • Let seasoned taco meat cool down before adding it to the salad to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

  • Use tortilla chips made from low-carb ingredients such as almond or coconut flour for an added crunch without the carbs.

  • You can incorporate grape tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced red onions to add more veggies to the salad. 

Taco Tuesdays just got a whole lot better with this delicious Keto Taco Salad recipe.

This recipe features creamy avocado, cheese, and sour cream for a savory lunch or dinner option that offers plenty of nutrients without disrupting ketosis.


Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe

This Keto Taco Salad can be prepared in just 30 minutes and is ideal for hectic weeknights or your weekly meal prep.

You can customize it to your preferences by choosing ground turkey or other organic meats instead of hamburger meat.

Incorporating grass-fed, organic protein into your diet has various health benefits and can help reduce inflammation, support weight loss, and enhance gut health.

Research published in Foods found that pasture-raised beef has a much better fatty acid profile than conventional meat due to cattle having access to a natural diet. This results in significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to improved heart health and cognitive function. 

These healthy fats have also been linked to lowering the risk of cancer, depression, and vision loss.

Moreover, this nutritious low-carb taco salad will satisfy your craving for Mexican food while keeping you in fat-burning mode.


Salad in a bowl

Why you should add more salads to your diet

Incorporating leafy greens into our diets can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes.

Despite the clear advantages of eating fresh produce, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only around ten percent of Americans meet their recommended daily intake.

Eating more salads is an easy way to increase your intake of plant foods rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, which are vital for maintaining good health.

"Consuming seven to ten cups of salad daily is essential for obtaining the necessary fiber and phytonutrients to promote overall health and well-being," explains Dr. Berg.

In addition, salads are versatile, allowing you to mix and match various ingredients to create endless flavor combinations to suit your taste preferences.


Keto tortilla chips

What to serve with Keto Taco Salad

For a complete meal, pair this Keto Taco Salad with these scrumptious low-carb sides that won't interfere with ketosis.

Here are some keto-friendly recipes that go perfectly with this refreshing salad. 

Keto Tortilla Chips

No taco salad is complete without crunchy tortilla chips!

These homemade Keto Tortilla Chips are crafted from almond flour, providing a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional corn-based chips. 

Just dip or crumble them into your salad or fresh salsa for an authentic taco experience.

Keto Tex-Mex Casserole

Take Taco Tuesday up a notch with this Keto Tex-Mex Casserole.

This hearty dish is packed with seasoned beef, pickled jalapeños, and spices, making it an aromatic and satiating meal.

Add melted cheese for the ultimate low-carb comfort food.

Keto Creamy Avocado Dip

Avocados are a beloved ingredient in many dishes, especially Mexican-inspired ones like this Keto Creamy Avocado Dip.

This smooth dip is a delightful complement to low-carb tortilla chips or makes a delectable topping for low-carb taco salads.

Keto Cajun Waffle Fries

Nothing beats the crispy texture of fries, and these Keto Cajun Waffle Fries offer a delicious low-carb alternative.

Coated in aromatic spices and prepared in a waffle maker, these fries are a fun side dish for the whole family.


Low carb bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers

Ketogenic Corn Bread

Made with almond flour and sour cream, this Ketogenic Corn Bread is a keto-friendly version of the classic cornmeal version.

Serve it warm with grass-fed butter for a decadent addition to your healthy taco salad.

Keto Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower has become a popular grain substitute, and this Keto Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice will make you forget about traditional rice.

Packed with flavorful ingredients, including garlic and almonds, this side dish brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your meal.

Keto Mozzarella Sticks

Cheesy and crispy, these easy-to-make Keto Mozzarella Sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Dip them in low-carb marinara sauce or serve them with your taco salad for a more substantial meal.

Keto Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

If you're a fan of spicy foods, these Keto Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are a must-try.

Filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, these poppers add a kick of flavor that pairs perfectly with this Keto Taco Salad.

Keto Churros

These Keto Churros are perfect if you crave something sweet after a savory dish.

Made with pork rinds and cinnamon, this unique take on the classic dessert is a gluten-free option that won't raise blood sugar levels.

Serve them with sugar-free chocolate or drizzle with homemade maple syrup for a guilt-free indulgence.


Cutting vegetables

Tips for making ahead and storing for later 

To prepare this Keto Taco Salad in advance, cook and season the meat. Once it cools, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. 

Cut up all your veggies and store them separately, but wait to chop the avocado until ready to serve to prevent browning. 

Keep cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips in separate containers to preserve the freshness and allow for the quick assembly of your low-carb taco salad. 

When you're ready to eat, simply layer your ingredients, then add your toppings and keto salad dressing. 


Taco salad

Final thoughts 

This Keto Taco Salad uses fresh ingredients and satisfies cravings for Mexican flavors without sacrificing ketosis.

Pair this dish with keto-friendly sides such as homemade tortilla chips or Cajun waffle fries to complete your meal.


FAQ

1. How many carbs are in Keto Taco Salad?

This recipe contains just 11 grams of net carbs per serving, as it eliminates carbohydrate-rich ingredients such as corn tortilla shells and beans.

2. Can you eat tacos on the keto diet?

Traditional tacos are heavy in carbs, as they are served with flour or corn tortillas and typically contain beans and rice. 

However, this Keto Taco Salad recipe uses low-carb ingredients and can be personalized to fit your daily macronutrient goals.

3. How much salad should you eat a day?

The recommended daily intake of salad is seven to ten cups, though this can differ depending on personal health requirements. 

Salads are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, vital for overall health. They can also help you feel full but contain few calories, making them an excellent option for weight management. 

4. Is Keto Taco Salad gluten-free?

Yes,  this recipe is gluten-free, as it eliminates wheat-containing tacos. However, it’s crucial to always check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.


Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8909876/ 

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