Healthy Taco Salad (with Low Carb / Keto Options)

Healthy Taco Salad – this delicious and hearty Mexican recipe has all the flavors of a classic taco. Made healthier with ground turkey, lettuce, cabbage, black beans, cherry tomatoes and an avocado lime dressing. Plus options for low carb and keto taco salad.

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Raise your hand if you love tacos ?but not the calories? This Healthy Taco Salad is here to curb those taco cravings. It’s got all the delicious flavors and toppings you love about tacos in a giant salad form.

I am a HUGE fan of loaded salads once the weather starts to warm up. They are perfect for those hot spring and summer days when you’re craving lighter food. The best part is, they come together quickly and are super simple to customize.

And with Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, this Healthy Taco Salad would fit in perfectly if you’re trying to include some lighter options for your own Mexican fiesta.

Not only do you have little bit of spicy, sour, creamy and savory in every bite…this skinny taco salad is also loaded with nutrition!

• homemade taco seasoning (or use your favorite)
• ground turkey
• black beans
• cherry tomatoes
• corn
• red cabbage
• avocado
• fresh lime juice

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY TACO SALAD

1. You’re going to start off by browning your meat with some taco seasoning. The great thing about this recipe is that you can use the homemade recipe below or swap in your favorite brand of taco seasoning.
2. Wash and prep your veggies and layer them into bowls. We used green leaf and butter lettuce, corn, grape tomatoes, shredded cabbage (red and green) and black beans. See below for low carb options.
3. To make the avocado lime dressing – toss the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper into a food processor (or blender) and blend until smooth.
4. Optional toppings – sprinkle with a little bit of cheese (or leave out for dairy free option) and tortilla chips for a restaurant copy-cat version.

CAN I USE DIFFERENT MEAT AND VEGETABLES?

Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you can use:

• ground beef
• ground chicken
• leave out the meat for a vegetarian taco bowl. (skip the cheese for a vegan taco salad)
• Use romaine or iceberg lettuce
• Swap out the tomatoes for salsa or a dollop of guacamole.

ARE THESE TACO BOWLS LOW CARB AND KETO-FRIENDLY?

For a low carb and keto-friendly healthy taco salad, leave out the corn and black beans and swap in some olives and yellow bell peppers instead.

CAN I MAKE THIS HEALTHY TACO SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?

Absolutely. One of the things that helps meget in and out of the kitchen quickly is to keep my fridge stocked with lots of fresh seasonal vegetables.

• Wash and dry your salad greens and tomatoes and store them in a zip-top bag
• Cook the meat ahead of time and store in an air-tight container.
• Make the salad dressing ahead of time and store in a mason jar

More healthy Mexican recipes you might like:

Healthy Taco Bowls

Low Carb Chicken Fajita Salad

Mexican Quinoa Salad with Corn

Fajita Steak Lettuce Wraps

5 from 1 vote

Print

Healthy Taco Salad

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

6 mins

Total Time

23 mins

 

This easy Mexican recipe is made healthier with ground turkey and an avocado lime dressing. Includes options for low carb and keto taco salad.

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: easy mexican dinner recipe, healthy dinner recipe, healthy mexican dish, healthy taco salad, low carb dinner

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 282 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

For the Homemade Taco Seasoning (or use your favorite store brand):

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Meat:

• 1 lb ground turkey chicken or lean beef
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

For the Salad Bowls:

• 2 cups roughly chopped green leaf lettuce or Romaine
• 2 cups butter lettuce leaves
• 1 cup cooked fresh corn kernels or frozen and drained (leave out for low-carb/keto)
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans (rinsed and drained if using canned) - leave out for low-carb/keto
• 1/2 cup shredded green and purple cabbage
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
• 1 large avocado pitted and sliced
• Lime wedges

For low carb:

• black olives sliced
• yellow bell pepper diced

Optional Toppings:

• shredded cheese
• pico de gallo
• salsa
• tortilla strips

For the Dressing:

• 1 large avocado pitted
• 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. In a small bowl or small resealable spice jar, combine all the spices for the taco seasoning. You can save any leftovers for the next time.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat, breaking down into small pieces while it cooks. After about 3 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of the taco seasoning and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and cooked through. Stir in the tomato paste and vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes or until everything is heated through. Taste and add more seasoning as needed.

To Make the Dressing:

1. While the meat is cooking, add the avocado, cilantro, lime, orange juice, olive oil, and salt to a food processor. Process until smooth.

Assemble Bowls:

1. Add lettuce to a large bowl. Top with cooked turkey, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans and shredded cabbage. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately avocado, lime and additional taco toppings as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Taco Salad

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (about 1/4 recipe))

Calories 282 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Cholesterol 62mg21%

Sodium 874mg36%

Potassium 733mg21%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 31g62%

Vitamin A 2375IU48%

Vitamin C 15.8mg19%

Calcium 33mg3%

Iron 2.6mg14%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.