The ketogenic diet has become one of the most popular diets for weight loss and overall health. By dramatically reducing carbs and upping fat intake, keto puts the body into ketosis – when it burns fat for fuel. But the restrictive nature of the diet can make it challenging to find keto-friendly recipes that also taste delicious. This flavorful and filling Keto Taco Salad is the perfect solution…
Why Taco Salad is a Great Keto-Friendly Meal
There are several reasons why taco salad checks all the boxes for a stellar keto meal:
- It’s low carb, skipping the tortilla shell or chips.
- It packs in healthy fats and protein from ingredients like avocado, cheese, and meat.
- The base is a fiber-rich salad, so it’s vegetable-centric.
- It’s bold, zesty, and flavorsome from spices like cumin and hot sauce.
Ingredients for Keto Taco Salad
The building blocks of a stellar keto salad are:
Base:
- Romaine lettuce, chopped or butter lettuce leaves
Protein:
- Ground beef or ground turkey
- Shredded chicken
Vegetables:
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced bell peppers
- Diced onion
- Sliced avocado
Toppings:
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ready to make this crowd-pleasing keto salad? Follow these simple steps:
- Cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Season with desired spices.
- Assemble chopped lettuce, vegetables, protein, and other toppings in bowls.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and spices for salad dressing.
- Drizzle desired amount of dressing over each salad.
- Top with extra cheese, cilantro, avocado, etc.
- Enjoy this fresh, filling, and flavorful meal!
Tips and Variations
Customize your keto salad with these easy tips:
Meal Prep Tips:
- Cook ground meat in bulk for the week.
- Chop vegetables ahead of time.
- Make large batch of dressing to have on hand.
Vegetarian Options:
- Substitute meat for cooked lentils or black beans.
- Use grilled tempeh or tofu.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with salsa, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Mix in zucchini noodles for extra volume.
- Add some keto-friendly tortilla chips!
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FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about keto taco salad:
Is Greek yogurt a good sub for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent keto-approved swap for regular sour cream.
Can I use lettuce wraps instead of chopped lettuce?
Absolutely! Lettuce wraps make for easy assembly and portability.
What’s the best protein to use?
Ground beef and turkey are ideal options. Shredded rotisserie chicken is also delicious.
Can I add beans or corn?
It’s best to skip these higher carb options to keep the salad keto-friendly.
How long does it last in the fridge?
The salad keeps well for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
A keto salad is an awesome option for a fresh, filling, and fabulous low-carb meal any night of the week. Load it up with your favorite keto-approved ingredients for endless flavor combinations. This salad makes sticking to keto easy and delicious.
