This easy Keto Taco Salad is a low-carb version of the classic taco salad recipe and is often known as a seven-layer salad. It begins with a bed of crunchy lettuce or mixed greens, then builds on that with the seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken cooked with taco flavourings. From there, there are all those keto-friendly toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, olives, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa, which all add a ton of flavour and variety.
Just take special care to avoid carb-heavy add-ins, like tortilla chips or beans, and you should be golden to stay keto. Instead, you can take that crunch in the form of pork rinds or low-carb tortilla strips. A simple smudge of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole brings everything together, lending richness and zing.
Keto taco salad comes together so fast; it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep recipe. It’s also highly adaptable; you can keep it spicy, creamy, or piled with different toppings to suit your taste. Its mix of protein, good fats, and fibre means it’s both satisfying and sustaining.
For foodies who love the flavours and textures of Mexican but want to keep it low-carb! Keto taco salad takes all things delicious and turns them into a healthy, keto-friendly version of this classic comfort food that is equally delicious and satisfying.
Keto Taco Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, heat the oil on medium-high heat. Add beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Mix in the Taco seasoning and 2 T water. Simmer 2–3 minutes
- On large platter or in large bowl, layer lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, olives and cheese
- Place these cute baby boats on a plate and pour some warm taco meat
- Top with sour cream, salsa, and your optional toppings
- Dish up now, when the meat’s hot and the vegetables downright crunchy
Notes
Flavour Profile of Keto Taco Salad
- Fresh & Crisp—Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers lend a cool crunch.
- Creamy & Zesty—And sour cream, guacamole, or a low-carb salsa dressing provides a creamy tang.
- Cheesy & Rich—Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blend lends salty, melty richness.
- Balanced Layers—I love mixing both spicy and tangy, and even some creamy elements, together with some fresh ones to make a hearty, satisfying dish that’s also incredible for you.
Easy Keto Taco Salad
- I make this all the time when I’m craving something “real” but don’t wanna blow up my carbs.
- The taco meat basically does all the work because it smells and tastes amazing without any effort.
- I throw in a stupid amount of cheese and avocado because, well, keto.
- Lettuce just makes me feel like it’s an actual salad instead of a bowl of meat.
- A spoonful of salsa (not the sugary kind) gives it that taco vibe without wrecking anything.
- It’s super filling, like way more than you expect.
- Honestly, it’s one of those meals that feels like cheating even though it’s totally keto-friendly.
Keto Taco Salad Nutrition and Calories
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | ~400–450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 30–32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12–13 g |
| Protein | 25–28 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Net Carbs | 6 g |
| Sugar | 2–3 g (from veggies) |
| Cholesterol | ~90 mg |
| Sodium | ~550 mg |
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FAQs
Q1. Is taco salad keto-friendly?
A1. Yes, minus beans, corn, or tortilla chips, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly.
Q2. How many carbs are in keto taco salad?
A2. About 6 net carbs for a serving.
Q3. Which protein is the best?
A3. Classic is ground beef, but you can also use chicken or turkey or shrimp or steak.
Q4. Can I add beans?
A4. Classic beans are also high in carbohydrates. Instead, try black soybeans or omit them altogether.
Q5. What dressings work best?
A5. Sour cream, salsa, guacamole/guacamole ranch, or avocado ranch are all good keto-friendly options.
Q6. Can you eat a taco salad on keto?
A6. Yeah, totally. As long as you ditch the big crunchy shell thing, it’s basically all keto-friendly stuff anyway.
Q7. What toppings are good on keto taco salad?
A7. Honestly, all the fun toppings—cheese, avocado, sour cream, seasoned meat, jalapeños. Just skip beans and corn, and you’re good.
Q8. How many carbs are in a taco salad without a shell?
A8. Not much. The shell is what ruins everything, so without it, the carbs drop super low depending on what you toss in.
Q9. Is anything on the Taco Bell menu keto-friendly?
A9. Kind of. You have to Frankenstein the order—no shell, no rice, no beans. It’s doable but definitely not perfect.
Hi, I’m Candice Knauer!
I’m passionate about creating delicious, healthy meals that make the keto lifestyle simple and enjoyable. What started as my personal journey into low-carb cooking has grown into a collection of recipes that I love sharing with others who want to feel their best while still enjoying great food.