Keto Catalina Taco Salad

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying keto meal, the Keto Catalina Taco Salad is an absolute winner! Packed with fresh ingredients and topped with a tangy Catalina dressing, this salad combines the crunch of lettuce, the richness of seasoned ground beef, and the zesty sweetness of the Catalina dressing. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, all while keeping you on track with your low-carb goals. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or enjoying a quick lunch, this salad is sure to hit the spot.

Begin your keto journey today with our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide! Unlock increased energy, sharper focus, and all the incredible benefits of a low-carb lifestyle. Start your transformation now and experience the positive changes firsthand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Keto Catalina Taco Salad is a true keto-friendly meal that brings all the flavors you crave without the carbs. It’s packed with healthy fats, protein, and lots of fresh veggies, making it a nutrient-dense dish. The best part? It’s versatile! You can tweak the toppings to suit your tastes, and it’s easy to make ahead. If you’re a fan of tangy dressings, this recipe will quickly become a favorite because the Catalina dressing adds an irresistible flavor kick that complements the ground beef and veggies perfectly. It’s also a great way to enjoy taco night without the carbs, so you can still indulge in your favorite flavors without breaking your keto lifestyle.

My Personal Experience

When I first tried this salad, I couldn’t believe how full and satisfied I felt afterward. The combination of flavors—from the seasoned beef to the tangy Catalina dressing—was absolutely perfect. It was one of those recipes that I instantly knew would be a keeper in my keto meal rotation. I’ve made it several times since, adjusting the toppings here and there, but the core ingredients and flavors remain unchanged. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this Keto Catalina Taco Salad has become one of my go-to dishes.

Required Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large Mixing Bowl: A good-sized bowl to toss all the ingredients together. It helps to have one that’s easy to mix and large enough to fit all your fresh veggies, lettuce, and the meat mixture.
• Skillet: A non-stick skillet works great for cooking the seasoned ground beef. This ensures it doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier afterward.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements for the spices and other ingredients will keep your flavors balanced and delicious.
• Tongs or a Spoon: For mixing and serving the salad. I personally love using tongs to toss everything together, ensuring even distribution of the Catalina dressing.

Each of these tools is essential in creating the perfect Keto Catalina Taco Salad, and once you have them, this recipe comes together quickly and easily. A non-stick skillet, especially, makes a big difference when cooking the ground beef without it sticking or drying out.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for the Keto Catalina Taco Salad:

• Ground beef (1 lb): The base of the salad, offering rich protein and healthy fats. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• Romaine lettuce (4 cups): A crunchy base for the salad. Feel free to use iceberg lettuce for a lighter option.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Adds a savory, creamy flavor. You can use any cheese you prefer or substitute with a dairy-free option like cashew cheese.
• Tomatoes (1 medium): Chopped fresh tomatoes add juiciness and color to the salad. You can swap them out with diced avocado for a creamier texture.
• Red onion (¼ medium): Thinly sliced for a slight bite. If you’re sensitive to onions, use green onions or skip them altogether.
• Catalina dressing (3-4 tbsp): The tangy dressing that ties everything together. You can make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices or use a store-bought low-carb version.
• Cilantro (optional, 1 tbsp): Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Skip if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

Feel free to get creative with toppings, adding ingredients like sliced olives, jalapeños, or even sour cream. This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to suit your tastes.

How to Make Keto Catalina Taco Salad

Here’s how to put this amazing salad together:

1. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and add taco seasoning or your preferred spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, etc.). Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the salad base: While the beef is cooking, chop your romaine lettuce and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced tomatoes, red onion, and any other veggies you prefer.
3. Assemble the salad: Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together gently to combine.
4. Add the dressing: Drizzle the Catalina dressing over the salad and toss it until evenly coated. Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.
5. Top with cheese and cilantro: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad and add a bit of fresh cilantro for that finishing touch.
6. Serve immediately: Enjoy right away or refrigerate for later.

Tips for This Recipe

• If you want extra crunch, add some crushed pork rinds or slivered almonds on top.
• You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick meal.
• Adjust the Catalina dressing to suit your taste. If you like a more tangy salad, add extra vinegar or lime juice.

Optional Additions

• Avocado: For a creamy texture and more healthy fats, add sliced avocado.
• Olives: Sliced black or green olives can bring an additional layer of flavor to your salad.
• Sour Cream: If you love a creamy topping, a dollop of sour cream works beautifully.

Serving Ideas

This Keto Catalina Taco Salad is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For a larger spread, serve with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.

Storage Recommendation

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the beef mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you plan to make it in advance, store the dressing and fresh veggies separately to prevent sogginess. To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Don’t heat the salad or dressing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein in this salad? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef work wonderfully as substitutes for the ground beef.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Definitely! Prepare the beef mixture and chop the veggies ahead of time, and then just toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Total Carbs: 6g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 23g

I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto tips and delicious new recipes. New to keto? Check out our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide and kickstart your low-carb journey with confidence!