What is a High Protein Nacho Bell Pepper Salad?

It is a deconstructed nacho dish using halved mini bell peppers as the base instead of tortilla chips, loaded with seasoned taco meat and a high-protein cheese sauce.

Is this Low Carb Nacho Salad Recipe actually healthy?

Yes. By replacing processed corn chips with vegetables, you drastically reduce calories and inflammation while increasing fiber, vitamins, and protein.

Is nacho bell pepper salad low carb?

Yes, it is one of the best keto nachos recipes available, typically containing fewer than 10-12g of net carbs per massive serving, compared to 50g+ in traditional nachos.

Can you make it in the air fryer?

Absolutely, it's the fastest way to get a "crunchy" result on the peppers without heating up the whole house.

What cheese is best for the sauce?

Blended cottage cheese offers the highest protein content, but melted sharp cheddar or pepper jack offers the most traditional flavor profile.

High Protein Nacho Bell Pepper Salad (Low Carb & Easy)

Description

Ditch the chips for this High Protein Nacho Bell Pepper Salad! Loaded with beef and creamy queso for a massive, healthy, 45g protein low carb meal.

Ingredients

Scale

The Base

1 lb Mini Sweet Peppers, halved and seeded (approx. 20–25 mini peppers)
1 tsp Olive Oil spray (optional for roasting)

The Protein

1 lb Lean Ground Beef (96/4)
1 packet Taco Seasoning (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup Water

The High Protein Queso

1/2 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
1 tbsp Taco Seasoning (or nutritional yeast + cheddar powder)
1–2 tbsp Water (to thin consistency)

The Toppings

1/4 cup Red Onion, diced
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 Jalapeño, sliced (optional)
2 tbsp Greek Yogurt (sour cream substitute)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep Peppers: Wash mini peppers and pat completely dry. Slice in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Make Queso: While beef cooks, add cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and a splash of water to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and velvety.
Air Fry (Optional): For warm nachos, place peppers in an air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until slightly blistered but crisp. Alternatively, serve raw for maximum crunch.
Assemble: Arrange peppers on a large platter or divided into 4 meal prep bowls.
Load: Spoon the hot beef mixture generously over the peppers.
Drizzle: Pour the blended cottage cheese queso over the beef.
Garnish: Top with red onion, cilantro, jalapeños, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or store components separately for meal prep.

Notes

Vegetarian: Swap beef for 2 cans of black beans, rinsed and seasoned.
Storage: Keep peppers and meat separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat meat before assembling.
Spice Level: Use hot taco seasoning or add cayenne to the queso for extra heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner/Lunch
Method: Stovetop/Air Fryer
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 95mg