Description
This Keto Catalina Taco Salad is a flavorful, low-carb meal featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade Catalina dressing, perfect for a satisfying and healthy main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet keto taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed keto tortilla chips or pork rinds (optional)
Keto Catalina Dressing
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or light olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-carb ketchup
- 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol (or preferred keto sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed, then stir in the keto taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, diced avocado, chopped red onion (if using), and crushed keto tortilla chips or pork rinds (if using).
- Make Catalina Dressing: Whisk together avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, low-carb ketchup, powdered erythritol, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl or shake in a jar until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble Salad: Add the cooked taco meat to the salad bowl. Drizzle the Catalina dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For meal prep, store the taco meat, salad, and dressing separately and combine just before eating to maintain freshness.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
- Optional ingredients like red onion and crushed keto chips or pork rinds add extra texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler salad.
