There’s nothing better than a huge low carb taco salad with all the fixings – tomatoes, avocado, sour cream and salsa!
If you’re looking for a savory salad that’s low carb and filled with healthy fats, this recipe for Mexican Beef Taco Salad Bowls is a must-try!
This Mexican Beef Taco Salad recipe comes directly from my Thrive in 5 Detox meal plan, which is a seasonal plan that I created based on ALL three cycles of the 17 Day Diet.
I created this ground beef taco salad with healthy fats in mind – not only do they satiate you so you feel fuller for longer, but they are better for you!
Avocado is my go-to healthy fat. Not only does it provide a creamy texture, but when seasoned with a little sea salt and pepper, its flavor is divine!
Ground Beef For Taco Salad
When I think of tacos, I naturally think of ground beef.
That’s one reason why I chose to use ground beef in this recipe. Another reason was for the higher fat content than leaner chicken or turkey.
Like the Keto Diet, I wanted to use healthy fat as a lever in this recipe to help keep you fuller, longer.
If you’re not a fan of beef or prefer a leaner meat, definitely switch it up and use chicken or turkey instead.
Ingredients for Taco Salad
This recipe is fairly simple to make. It only includes a few key ingredients, which include:
- lean ground beef
- cumin
- chili powder
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- onion (optional)
- green chilis (optional)
- black beans, rinsed (or your favorite beans)
- lettuce (butter, romaine, iceberg, etc)
Taco Salad Toppings
Here are a few ideas on taco salad toppings:
- tomatoes
- avocado
- sour cream
- black olives
- green onion
- red onion
- jalapeno peppers (raw or pickled)
- cilantro
- cheese
- low sugar salsa
- low sugar salad dressing
- black beans (if you prefer this as a topping, see note in recipe card below)
Beef Taco Salad for the 17 Day Diet
If you’re eating low carb on the 17 Day Diet, you can certainly have this Mexican Beef Taco Salad Bowl starting on Cycle 3, if you choose to keep the avocado.
Here are the changes you’ll need if you want it in an earlier cycle:
Cycle 1 Changes
- Use chicken or turkey instead
- Omit beans
- Omit avocado
Cycle 2 Changes
- Omit avocado
I created this recipe for my Thrive in 5 Detox meal plan which is based on all three cycles of the 17 Day Diet.
We use all the best parts of all cycles in this hybrid meal plan, so when we use it for community challenges, it doesn’t matter which cycle you’re on as it is its own meal plan.
If you’re not sure which foods are allowed when, make sure you check out my 17 Day Diet Cycle 1 Food List for all the info!
You can also check out my book on Amazon called Fast Track Your Weight Loss With the 17 Day Diet which has all the food lists (and a 7 day meal plan, too!).
Can I have Ground Beef Taco Salad on the Kickstart Diet?
Yes, you can definitely have this low carb taco salad while on the 17 Day Kickstart Diet. You can have this dish starting on the 10-Day Stabilize Phase.
If you want to have this recipe on an earlier phase, here are the changes you’ll need to make.
3-Day Scrub and 4-Day Soak Up Changes
- Use chicken, turkey or fish instead
- Omit dairy (cheese, sour cream, etc)
If you’re not sure which foods are allowed during each phase, make sure you take a look at my 17 Day Kickstart Diet Food List.
Keto Diet Taco Salad
Are you losing weight with the Keto Diet? If so, you’re in luck!
This Keto Diet Taco Salad is perfect for your weight loss goals!
Make sure you use full fat ingredients, use a fattier ground beef and go easy on the onions, depending on your own personal macros!
If you’re new to Keto or need a refresher on Keto low carb foods, make sure you check out my Keto Diet Food List.
Low Carb Mexican Food Recipes
Are you a Mexican food lover like me and enjoy these Mexican Beef Taco Salad Bowls? If so, you might want to try these other recipes:
- Chicken with Mexican Dry Rub and Fruit Salsa
- One Skillet Chicken Taco Casserole
- Chicken Fajitas
- Cauliflower Tortillas
- Green Chili Chicken Enchilada with Cauliflower
- Chicken Enchilada Soup (Slow Cooker)
- Cauliflower Nachos
- Turkey Cilantro Enchilada Soup
- Mexican Lime Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
- Christine’s Mexican Turkey Chili
- Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Mexican Cilantro Chicken
Did you enjoy this low carb Mexican Beef Taco Salad Bowls recipe? If so, please make sure you come back to review the recipe card below. If you’re on social, make sure you tag me @17ddblog so I can see your pretty salad!
Mexican Beef Taco Salad Bowls
These Mexican Beef Taco Salad Bowls are easy to make, filled with fiber and healthy fats for a great quick weeknight meal for the entire family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or chicken or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Olive Oil
- 1 Small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 4oz can green chilis (optional)
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (or your favorite bean)
- Water (if mixture is too dry)
- Lettuce, enough for 4 salads (butter, romaine, iceberg, etc)
Beef Taco Salad Toppings
- tomatoes
- avocado
- sour cream
- black olives
- green onion
- red onion
- jalapeno peppers (raw or pickled)
- cilantro
- cheese
- low sugar salsa
- low sugar salad dressing
- black beans (skip adding to the meat mixture if you prefer them as a topping)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, onion and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Add the small diced onion and cook until onions become tender.
- Add green chilis and rinsed black beans, and season for salt and pepper, if necessary. Warm ingredients through. Note: if you want to top your salad with black beans instead, leave these out and warm them through in the microwave.
- If your beef mixture is dry, add a little water and allow to simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Add a serving of lettuce to a small serving bowl or plate and top with beef mixture. Add your favorite toppings and serve.
Notes
Approved for:
17 Day Diet - starting on Cycle 3 (see post for changes for earlier cycles
17 Day Kickstart Diet - starting on 10-Day Stabilize Phase (see post for changes for earlier cycles)
Keto Diet
Note: if you want to top your salad with black beans instead, leave these out of the meat mixture and warm them through separately in the microwave.
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I’ve been loving the 17 Day Diet since 2011. I love sharing my favorite healthy recipes and meal plans to keep you motivated and on the right path to success!
When I’m not hanging out here, I enjoy quick trips to the Oregon Coast, designing my jewelry line, being a proud Swiftie, and tinkering with my personal Youtube Channel!
Are you new to the 17 Day Diet? Check out my latest book, Fast Track Your Weight Loss With The 17 Day Diet on Amazon! (aff link)