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Wholesome Paleo Loaded Taco Salad Bowl Recipe Easy Whole30 Meal

paleo loaded taco salad bowl - featured image

A quick and easy paleo and Whole30 compliant taco salad bowl featuring seasoned ground meat, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado for a nourishing and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes for milder flavor)
  • 1 medium avocado, diced or sliced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, paleo-friendly salsa

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all fresh vegetables: lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Warm for about a minute.
  3. Add the ground meat to the hot pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  5. Pour the cooked meat into the bowl with the chopped veggies. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Fold in the diced avocado and squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad. Stir gently to distribute without mashing the avocado.
  7. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and add optional toppings like jalapeños or green onions if desired. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
  8. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh textures and bright flavors.

Notes

If avocado is not ripe, slice thinly and add just before serving to prevent browning. Soaking red onion in cold water for 10 minutes mellows its bite. Cook meat in batches if pan overcrowded to ensure browning. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. Assemble salad while meat is warm for slightly softened lettuce or wait for cooler meat for crunchier greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: paleo, Whole30, taco salad, loaded salad bowl, healthy dinner, quick meal, gluten-free, dairy-free