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Healthy Keto Chicken Taco Salad Bowls - Fresh, Flavorful, and Low-Carb

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
  • Taco Seasoning (Keto-Friendly): 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Romaine or Mixed Greens: 8 cups, chopped
  • Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced (any color)
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (can reduce for stricter keto)
  • Red Onion: 1/4 small, thinly sliced
  • Avocado: 1 large, diced
  • Cilantro: 1/3 cup, chopped
  • Jalapeño: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Cheese (Optional): 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Full-Fat): 1/3 cup
  • Limes: 2 (zest and juice)
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for dressing)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra tang)
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste

Method
 

  1. Make the seasoning. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry. Slice breasts into cutlets or cube into bite-size pieces for faster cooking. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil and the taco seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side for cutlets or 6–8 minutes total for cubes, until browned and cooked through. Rest 3 minutes, then slice or shred.
  4. Mix the lime dressing. In a jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, zest of 1 lime, juice of 2 limes, apple cider vinegar (optional), a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust acid or salt.
  5. Prep the veggies. Chop lettuce, dice bell pepper, halve tomatoes, slice red onion and jalapeño, dice avocado, and chop cilantro.
  6. Assemble the bowls. Divide lettuce among 4 bowls. Top with chicken, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and cheese if using.
  7. Add the finishing touches. Drizzle with lime dressing. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Finish with extra lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve. Enjoy immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce is crisp.