Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Recipes › By Type › Main Dishes
★★★★★15 Comments

Keto Taco Salad Cheese Bowls

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Published: Jun 22, 2020

Egg-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeLow-CarbNut-FreeVegetarian
Jump to Video
Jump to Recipe
graphic for taco salad cheese cups
graphic for taco salad cheese cups

Keto Taco Salad Bowls use baked Crystal Farms Cheese Wraps to create a delicious keto cheese cup to hold the ingredients. This is a fantastic gluten-free, vegetarian, keto or low carb dinner idea to replace high carb taco shells!

Close up view keto taco salad in cheese taco shell bowls with all the toppings.

Disclosure – We are grateful to be partnering with Crystal Farms on this taco salad cups post. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to create gluten free recipes.

VEGETARIAN KETO RECIPES

According to the emails and social media comments I read each week, many of you are on a vegetarian keto diet. And, of course, gluten free! It can be a bit tricky to navigate this lifestyle, especially because so many low carb and keto recipes are high in meat protein.

Because of this, many of my keto/low carb recipes now have vegetarian and/or vegan options. Some of the most popular are Hungarian Mushroom Soup , Keto Italian Chicken Meal Prep Casserole, and 5 Ingredient Creamy Vegan Pasta with Walnut Sauce (Keto Option).

I will continue to provide these vegetarian/keto options when it fits in hopes that it will help YOU as you plan meals, etc.

That being said, let’s talk about a gluten-free, vegetarian ingredient that mostly everyone loves. *Say Cheese!*

Cooking with keto cheese wraps

healthy taco salad with fresh vegetables in a baked cheese bowl

One of the foods that is popular with vegetarians and keto dieters alike is CHEESE! There are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate cheese into meals, but using it as a replacement for the bowl of a traditional taco salad is one of my favorites.

And, you know what? Crystal Farms has keto-friendly Cheese Wraps that are PERFECT for creating Keto Taco Salad cups!

All the veggies and healthy fats you need are in one cheese taco shell cup.

This recipe is also great for parties as an appetizer because the filling is customizable! Plus, keto taco salad shells or cups are beyond easy to make. It only takes 5 minutes to go from the goodness of #cheesewraps to cheese taco shells, and dinner is ready in 10 minutes flat.

I want to give you some info on Crystal Farms Cheese Wraps because, trust me, you will love them!

Two packages of Crystal Farms cheese wraps

The innovation behind this product is pretty simple, really. It’s a single, large slice of cheese sturdy enough to hold your favorite ingredients.

The best part is, it’s ready to eat right out of the package.

  • FLAVORS: Crystal Farms Cheese Wraps are available in two flavors: Mozzarella and Marble Jack. BONUS nerdy nutrition fact:
    Do you know that Mozzarella is a soft cheese that’s lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses?
  • NUTRITIOUS: Their delicious cheese wraps have up to 8 grams of protein and just around 100 calories per slice/serving.
  • DIET COMPLIANT: As you might expect, because they are made from real cheese, they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-compliant. But they’re also a great option for anyone looking for a tasty replacement for bread.
  • CONVENIENT PACKAGING: It makes me crazy when the cheese package tears, and I end up with dried up cheese. No problem here because the cheese wraps come in a peel and reseal tray.

Yes, yes, it’s easy to snack on Crystal Farms Cheese Wraps, but how about we make a whole meal! Gah, these taco salad cups have become our latest obsession. Customizable, fresh, delicious, all the things!

How to make keto taco salad cups

ingredients in bowls to make a keto taco salad

INGREDIENTS

Obviously, the fillings are customizable, but here’s what I suggest:

  • Crystal Farms Cheese Wraps (Mozzarella or Marble Jack)

TACO SALAD CUP FILLINGS

  • shredded salad greens
  • diced avocado
  • diced bell peppers
  • diced tomatoes
  • jalapeno
  • sour cream
  • vegan con queso
  • sliced olives
  • taco seasoning or salt seasoning of choice
  • corn or corn + black bean salsa (omit for keto option)
  • optional protein fillings – diced grilled chicken, black beans, chickpeas, ground cooked meat of choice. (Fill the cups with your meaty leftovers!)

INSTRUCTIONS AND COOKING TIPS

Be sure to watch my recipe video below to see how easy this recipe is to make. You’ll be able to watch me form the keto taco salad cheese cups, too. I also have complete instructions in the recipe card below.

  1. Prep the fillings. Clean and slice any ingredients you want to use for fillings. You can even meal prep them a couple of days ahead of time if you want to.
  2. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Grease the inside of 1-cup ramekins or small bowls with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Or, you can flip over a muffin pan and grease the bottom of the wells.
  4. Bake and form the Cheese Wraps. It takes about 7 minutes for the cheese to soften and start to bubble up. Then, pull them out of the oven and press them into prepared bowls to form the cups. You’ll need to make them in TWO batches. Otherwise, you won’t have enough time to form the bowls before the cheese sets up.
sliced round cheese on baking sheet. 4 slices of mozzarella and colby jack
baked cheese in bowl. Woman pressing cheese into bowl to shape

Lastly, Fill the keto taco salad cups and enjoy your dinner!

vegetarian keto taco salad dinner in bowls made from cheese

Recipe tips for making cheese taco shells

  • Mozzarella versus Marble Jack cheese cups

The Crystal Farms Mozzarella Cheese Wraps are a lower moisture cheese, so it will cook and hold its shape faster than the Marble Jack.

The Marble Jack Cheese Wraps spread a little more when in the oven (before pressing it into the cup).

So, just be sure to gently pull away the parchment paper. Or, you can double up the cheese for a stronger cheese cup. 🙂

  • Work quickly

After the Cheese Wraps come out of the oven, they set up pretty quickly. So, be sure to have whatever you are going to use to form the cups greased and ready to go.

1 Minute VIDEO FOR HOW TO MAKE KETO TACO SALAD CHEESE BOWLS

Keto Taco Salad Cheese Bowls

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
keto taco salad cups with cheese and peppers

Keto Taco Salad Bowls with Cheese Taco Shells


★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 20
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

These keto taco salad bowls use delicious cheese taco shells to hold the salad ingredients. This is a fantastic vegetarian keto or low carb dinner idea!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 1–ounce (28 grams) cheese wraps (mozzarella or cheddar jack)

taco salad fillings of choice:

Each taco cup can hold 2-3 Tablespoons of each salad ingredient below. Pick and choose your favorite!

  • shredded salad greens
  • diced avocado
  • diced bell pepper and tomato
  • sliced jalapeño
  • sour cream
  • vegan con queso or salsa of choice
  • sliced olives
  • pinch of taco seasoning or salt seasoning of choice
  • cooked corn kernels (omit for keto option)
  • optional protein fillings – diced grilled chicken, black beans, chickpeas, ground cooked meat of choice (fill these cups with your meaty leftovers!)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease 3 small prep bowls or the back of a large muffin pan. Set aside.
  2. Place 3 cheese wrap slices on the baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes. Edges will start to brown and middle will bubble.
  3. Remove from oven and cut the parchment paper into three, dividing the cheese into separate pieces. Gently flip the cheese (with parchment paper) over into the bowl, letting the cheese mold into the middle of the bowl. Press cheese into the bottom and around the bowl.  Repeat for other 2 cheese slices.
  4. Bake second batch of 3 cheese slices and repeat instructions. I recommend baking in two batches so you have enough time to mold the cheese cups before the cheese cools in the second batch. You are more than welcome to bake both baking sheets at once but the texture/cooling might vary with the second pan.
  5. When the keto cheese taco shells are cool, fill the cups with ingredients of your choice and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition below based off 1 marble jack cheese taco bowl with 2 tablespoons of each topping. No corn topping for keto option.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 8
  • Category: salad
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: mexican american

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 1.2 g
  • Sodium: 194.7 mg
  • Fat: 12.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 8.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 28.6 mg

Keywords: keto, taco salad, keto taco salad, cheese cups, vegetarian, salad, gluten free

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

Alright my friends, that’s a wrap! Pun intended. Hehe.

keto taco salad in cheese taco shell bowls in casserole dish. Woman's hand holding it

In all seriousness, let me know if you have questions about this recipe or want more ideas on how to use Crystal Farms Cheese Wraps. We are here to help! But more importantly, to feed you delicious, nutritious food. You can also check out their social media and website for more recipe inspo!

Cheers,

LC

1252 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Has Video, Low-Carb, Main Dishes, Nut-Free, Oven, Quick Meals, Sides and Salads, Vegetarian Tags: keto, vegetarian

More recipes you’ll love!

plate of Instant Pot spaghetti squash pasta with nomato sauce and dairy free Parmesan cheese
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Pasta
egg casserole with utensils on table
Tex-Mex Egg & Cauliflower Casserole
overhead image: Cajun smoked salmon on top of healthy spring salad
Smoked Salmon Zucchini Noodles Salad
5-Ingredient Coconut Flour Tortillas + Video
graphic for taco salad cheese cups
graphic for taco salad cheese cups
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. sabrina

    07/02/2020 at 8:09 PM

    lovely, great set of ingredients and another appreciated adaptation from the traditional recipe, thank youi!

    Reply
  2. Matt Robinson

    06/28/2020 at 7:04 PM

    How insanely fun are these for summer?!!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      07/01/2020 at 7:56 PM

      Thanks, Matt!

      Reply
  3. Toni

    06/24/2020 at 11:46 AM

    This is such a great idea! My kids loved it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/24/2020 at 9:46 PM

      Yaayy! So glad to hear that!

      Reply
  4. wilhelmina

    06/24/2020 at 10:27 AM

    This a fabulous recipe! I love the bowls made from cheese wraps, so delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/24/2020 at 9:46 PM

      Thank you! The bowls are so fun, right?!

      Reply
  5. Laura

    06/24/2020 at 5:53 AM

    These are so delicious! Definitely adding this to the weekly rotation!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/24/2020 at 9:47 PM

      Glad you enjoyed them! Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Beth

    06/23/2020 at 12:26 PM

    These look so delicious and have a lot of flavor! I can’t wait to try this!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/24/2020 at 9:47 PM

      Thank you! Would love to know if you try them!

      Reply
  7. Lauren Kelly

    06/23/2020 at 12:03 PM

    I love making cheese shells and bowls, it really is a game changer! What a delicious salad!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/24/2020 at 9:48 PM

      Thanks, Lauren! They’re so fun to make…and eat! 😉

      Reply
  8. Laurie Messer

    06/22/2020 at 5:03 PM

    Oh my goodness! Using cheese wraps for the bowl is genius!! I can’t wait to make this for dinner!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/23/2020 at 10:18 AM

      Yay! Keep me posted!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

graphic for taco salad cheese cups
graphic for taco salad cheese cups
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

[facetwp facet=”search”]

Nourishing Superfood Bowls Cookbook 5 Free Recipes Sneak Peek Sign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my Nourishing Superfood Bowls Cookbook

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
    Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
    Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
graphic for taco salad cheese cups
graphic for taco salad cheese cups
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

1252 shares