A satisfying, low-carb twist on taco night that’s packed with protein, flavor, and fresh veggies—all without the tortillas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low in carbs but high on taste: All your taco favorites—seasoned beef, salsa, cheese—without the flour or corn tortillas.
Ready in just 20 minutes: A quick, crowd-pleasing meal when you’re short on time.
Loaded with fresh ingredients: Crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and zesty jalapeño.
Flexible and customizable: Swap ground turkey, adjust the spice level, or swap salsa for pico de gallo.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 head romaine lettuce
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion, diced
1 avocado, diced
1–2 jalapeños, chopped
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
3/4 cup sour cream
handful of cilantro

Directions

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat (optional if using lean beef). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
Drain any excess fat if needed. Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water; simmer for several minutes until the mixture is well-coated and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
Chop or shred the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
Arrange seasoned taco meat over the lettuce, then top with cherry tomatoes, diced onion, avocado, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.
Add salsa and sour cream over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Toss gently to combine everything before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 generous bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Ground turkey or chicken: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Extra protein: Add black beans or grilled shrimp (not strictly keto) for more variety.
Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives, or omit cheese.
Spice it up: Increase jalapeños or add sliced pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Crunchy toppings: Sprinkle crushed pork rinds to mimic taco chip texture.
Swap salsa: Use pico de gallo, verde salsa, or even a creamy cilantro lime dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store components separately—keep seasoned meat and veggies in airtight containers up to 3 days. Keeps salad fresh and avoids sogginess.
Assembly: When ready to eat, layer fresh lettuce and toppings, then add warmed meat.
Reheating meat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Freezing: Not recommended—lettuce and salsa don’t freeze well, though meat portions can be frozen for up to a month.

FAQs

1. Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes—it’s low-carb, high-protein, and packed with healthy fats from avocado and cheese.

2. Can I use a homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely! Try a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in place of the packet.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—prep meat and chop veggies ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

4. What if I don’t like spicy food?

Use just one mild jalapeño or omit it entirely. You can also remove the seeds for gentler heat.

5. Can I add more veggies?

Of course! Bell peppers, cucumber, or even roasted corn (not keto, but low-carb relative) make great additions.

6. Can I serve this in taco shells?

Why not? Simply spoon the salad into crispy taco shells or lettuce wraps for handheld tacos.

7. How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the beef and add seasoned crumbled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans for protein.

8. What dressing works best?

The salsa and sour cream already act like a dressing—no extra needed. But you can toss with lime juice and olive oil if you like it saucier.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales easily—just use a larger bowl and extra toppings when serving a crowd.

10. How should I serve this?

Serve immediately after tossing so the lettuce stays crisp and textures shine.

Conclusion

This Keto Taco Salad is an easy, crowd-pleasing, and wholesome meal that brings together seasoned beef, fresh veggies, creamy toppings, and vibrant flavors—all while keeping it low-carb. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a festive meal with friends. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Ezabella