Low Carb Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing
I love tacos and I love salad, so this Low Carb Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing is the best of both worlds. It’s packed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and topped with a creamy salsa.
If you are looking for a taco salad side dish – try my Low-Carb Cauliflower Spanish Rice
This healthy, ground beef salad was inspired by the Mexican salad bowl from one of my favorite restaurants. I wanted a low carb keto taco salad recipe, so I chose to make this with no shell and no tortilla strips.
I cook the ground beef with onions and peppers then top it on a bed of lettuce. This loaded taco salad is full of veggies, cheese, and a crave-worthy southwestern ranch dressing.
Ingredients Needed:
- Ground Beef – seasoned with my Low Sodium Taco Seasoning. The spice level is kid friendly, but don’t worry, you can make it spicier by doubling the chili powder and adding cayenne. I cook the protein with onions, peppers, and garlic. You can also use ground turkey for a lower calorie option.
- Salsa Ranch Dressing – this easy creamy salsa dressing is a mixture of salsa, Hidden Valley Ranch, and chili powder. It has a mild kick, but you can make it a spicy ranch recipe by doubling the spice.
- Toppings – on a bed of romaine lettuce you can customize your taco salad toppings: tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, avocado, black beans, sour cream, etc.
How to Make Salsa Ranch Dressing
I like to use salsa as salad dressing for a low calorie salad dressing. For this homemade taco salad, I wanted a creamy salad dressing. This is my favorite dressing for taco salad. This salsa ranch is delicious on tacos and nachos too.
Combining salsa, ranch, and spice creates the perfect Mexican Ranch. You can customize this easy Salsa Ranch Dressing by using any kind of salsa – mild, medium, or hot. Adding more chili powder to the salsa dressing will also give it an extra kick.
How to Store Salsa Ranch Dressing
Store this creamy salsa in an air tight container in the refrigerator. If you use store-bought ranch dressing and salsa, this taco salad dressing should last up to two weeks, if stored properly. If you use homemade ranch dressing and salsa, it will only last up to one week in the refrigerator.
More Recipes To Try:
Low Carb Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- romaine lettuce or lettuce of choice
- salad toppings avocados, tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, etc.
Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Salsa Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup salsa
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients for the Salsa Ranch Dressing in a bowl. Stir until well combined and refrigerate in an air tight container until ready to use.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute onions and peppers on medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic to the skillet and saute one more minute.
- Add ground beef and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook on medium high heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the ground beef is cooked through. Drain fat.
- Assemble the taco salad in a bowl and top with creamy salsa dressing.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the fat from the ground beef mixture. Use lean ground beef for less fat content.
- If using store bought taco seasoning – use 2 Tablespoons per one pound of ground beef.
- You can top the taco salad with sour cream, guacamole, beans, etc. The possibilities to customize your taco salad are endless.
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