Tacos are a favorite go-to meal for many, but the carb-laden tortillas and taco shells are off limits on a keto diet. No need to despair though – it’s easy to create flavorful low-carb keto versions of tasty taco salads when you follow some simple tricks. Who doesn’t love the bold flavors of spiced meat, creamy cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and cool, crunchy lettuce? The great thing about taco salads is you can customize them to suit your taste and budget. When trying to eat keto on a budget, pre-made convenience foods and ingredients can really add up cost-wise. With some easy meal prep and ingredient swaps, you can enjoy wallet-friendly keto taco salads anytime.
In this article, we’ll share 7 hacks for making quick and delicious low-carb taco salads without breaking the bank. You’ll learn smart ways to save money on ingredients, reduce waste, get more mileage from leftovers, and make tasty toppings and sides at home. We’ll also provide tips for easy bulk prep so you can assemble fast keto taco salads for lunch or dinner throughout the busy week. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated recipes to start enjoying keto taco salads today.
With a little planning and these simple substitutions and cooking tricks, you can start making budget-friendly keto taco salads that don’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor or nutrition. Improvising with lettuce wraps instead of taco shells and creatively using leftovers is an easy and affordable way to keep your keto diet on track. Cook once, eat multiple times by preparing a big batch of seasoned taco meat on the weekend and then quickly assembling tacos during the week. Getting the most value from inexpensive ingredients, minimizing waste, and making items from scratch allows you to stick to your keto diet goals without draining your wallet. Read on for 7 hacks for fabulously flavorful, wallet-friendly keto taco salads.
Use Lettuce Wraps Instead of Taco Shells
Skip the high-carb taco shells and serve your taco salad in lettuce wraps or bowls. Romaine, iceberg or butter lettuce leaves make excellent wraps for holding taco salad fillings. Not only does this save money, but it also significantly cuts carbs.
Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Purchased taco seasoning mixes are convenient, but making your own allows you to control the ingredients. Homemade mixes using spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano are very budget-friendly.
Bake Your Own Taco Chips
Rather than buying pre-made taco shells or expensive low-carb tortilla chips, save money by baking your own taco chips. Simply cut corn or low-carb tortillas into wedges, coat with oil and taco seasoning, and bake until crispy.
Bulk Prep Taco Meat
Cook in Bulk and Freeze
One of the biggest time savers is making a big batch of taco meat to use throughout the week. Brown ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning, then portion and freeze for quick meals later.
Use Less Expensive Cuts of Meat
Chuck roast, brisket, and flank or skirt steak work wonderfully for shredded taco meat. Opting for these affordable cuts saves significantly over using ground beef or turkey.
Get Creative with Fillings
Use Non-Starchy Veggies
In addition to staple taco salad toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream, add nutrition and crunch with low-carb veggies. Onions, bell peppers, zucchini, jicama, and cabbage are all excellent options.
Add in Healthy Fats
Boost the fat content of your taco salad with avocado, olives, nut butters, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, bacon crumbles, or a drizzle of olive oil. This increases satisfaction and adheres to keto macros.
Make Your Own Dressings and Toppings
Creamy Cilantro Dressing
Skip store-bought dressings and whip up an easy 5-minute cilantro lime dressing instead. Simply blend olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and salt for a flavorful topping.
Pico de Gallo
Chopped tomato salsa is super fast, fresh and economical to make at home. Combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice for a simple homemade pico.
Guacamole
Whip up a quick batch of guacamole by mashing avocado with lime juice, cilantro, diced onions and tomatoes. Much cheaper than pre-made options.
Meal Prep Taco Salads for the Week
Make a big batch of taco meat on the weekend, then prep individual taco salads in containers for quick grab-and-go lunches and dinners throughout the week. Saves time and avoids waste.
Shop Smart for Ingredients
Buy Generic Brands
Opt for generic taco seasoning, plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, store brand cheese and cheaper cuts of meat. Buying generic saves money without sacrificing taste.
Check Bulk Bins
Purchase ingredients like onions, lettuce, cilantro, and spices from the bulk bins. This minimizes cost for ingredients you’ll use frequently.
Use Leftovers
Repurpose Ingredients
Get more mileage from fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cilantro by using in multiple recipes throughout the week. Less waste saves money.
Get Multiple Meals
Leftover taco meat can be repurposed into nachos, casseroles, stuffed peppers, or eggs for breakfast. Find creative ways to use leftovers.
Making tasty keto taco salads on a budget is easy with a little meal prep and getting creative. Follow these simple hacks to enjoy flavorful low-carb taco salads anytime without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Making keto-friendly taco salads on a budget is achievable with a little creativity and advance preparation. By substituting lower-cost ingredients, buying in bulk, making your own seasonings and toppings, batch cooking, and repurposing leftovers, you can enjoy flavorful low-carb taco salads without breaking the bank. Meal prepping a few servings at a time ensures you have quick and healthy lunches or dinners ready to go. Follow these budget-savvy hacks for taco salads that don’t sacrifice taste or nutrition.
FAQs
Q: What can I use instead of taco shells?
A: Lettuce leaves, low-carb tortillas, or taco bowls made from zucchini or bell peppers make great alternatives to taco shells on a keto diet.
Q: How can I save money on ingredients?
A: Buying generic brands, shopping bulk bins, and getting the most mileage from fresh ingredients through batch cooking and repurposing leftovers will save money.
Q: What are some low-carb taco salad toppings?
A: Cheese, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado, olives, pumpkin seeds, bacon bits, and low-carb veggies are all great options.
Q: Can I meal prep taco salads?
A: Yes, bulk cook taco meat and portion into individual containers along with desired toppings for easy grab-and-go meals all week.
Q: How long does taco meat last in the freezer?
A: Frozen taco meat will keep for 3-4 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
