Keto At Qdoba: Delicious, Healthy Meals For Dieters

Qdoba is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with over 740 locations in the US and Canada. It is well-known for its fresh, flavourful take on classic Mexican dishes. While Mexican-inspired fast food is not generally a good low-carb option, Qdoba has introduced keto-friendly meals to its menu.

The restaurant allows customers to build their own meals, which makes it easier to stick to a keto diet. Qdoba's online menu also has a dietary preferences section, which can be used to customise orders.

Some keto-friendly options at Qdoba include the Naked Burrito, the Grilled Chicken or Steak Bowl, the Taco Salad without a bowl, and the Burrito Bowl.

Keto-friendly Mexican recipes to try at home

Keto dieters need not miss out on Mexican food, as there are plenty of low-carb options to choose from. Here are some keto-friendly Mexican recipes to try at home:

Mexican Chicken Casserole

This is a great option for a keto-friendly Mexican meal. You can make it with simple ingredients and pile on the toppings of your choice.

Keto Mexican Tacos with Cheese Shells

For a taco night, try making keto-friendly tacos with cheese shells. Simply crisp up some shredded cheese in a pan to form your taco shells and fill with your favourite keto-friendly toppings.

Keto Chicken Taquitos

For a fun and easy keto Mexican dish, try making chicken taquitos using low-carb tortillas. You can fill them with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favourite keto-friendly sauces.

Keto Beef Taquitos with Cheese Taco Shells

Similar to the chicken taquitos, you can make beef taquitos and use cheese taco shells for a keto-friendly option.

Keto Traditional Ground Beef Chili

A hearty and comforting option, this keto-friendly chili is made with ground beef, spices, and your favourite low-carb veggies. It's a great option for a filling meal.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

A tasty and high-protein option, this keto-friendly dish is made in a slow cooker with pork shoulder and a few pantry staples. Skip the tortillas to keep it low-carb.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

A quick and easy one-pan dish, these chicken fajitas are perfect for a keto meal. Just remember to skip the tortillas or use low-carb alternatives.

Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs

A unique and tasty twist on traditional deviled eggs, these Mexican street corn-inspired eggs are a great low-carb and keto-friendly option for a special occasion.

Classic Guacamole

No Mexican feast is complete without some fresh guacamole. Serve it with low-carb chips or vegetables for dipping.

Low-carb Zucchini Enchiladas

A creative take on traditional enchiladas, these zucchini enchiladas are a delicious and keto-friendly option. Simply use strips of zucchini instead of tortillas and skip the black beans to keep the carbs low.

Whole Roasted Chipotle Chicken

This simple yet flavourful dish uses canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to create a juicy and tasty chicken meal. Serve it with cauliflower rice or a side salad to keep it keto-friendly.

Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce)

For a quick and special occasion-worthy dish, try this shrimp in garlic sauce. It's best served alfresco with lemon wedges for spritzing and some low-carb dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.

There are plenty of other keto-friendly Mexican recipes to explore, including keto cheese tortilla beef burritos, keto taco salads, and more. With a little creativity and some low-carb swaps, you can easily enjoy your favourite Mexican flavours while sticking to your keto diet.

How to create a custom keto burrito bowl at Qdoba

Qdoba is a great place to grab a quick bite that satisfies your Mexican food cravings while on a keto diet. The best part about Qdoba is that you can build your own keto meal by choosing from a variety of keto-friendly ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a custom keto burrito bowl at Qdoba:

Step 1: Choose Your Base

Start by selecting a bowl as your base. Avoid rice, beans, and tortillas, as these are high in carbohydrates. Instead, opt for shredded lettuce as your base, which has minimal carbs.

Step 2: Pick Your Protein

Select one or a combination of the following proteins to add to your bowl:

• Grilled Adobo Chicken
• Ground Beef
• Impossible Protein
• Pulled Pork
• Grilled Steak
• Brisket Birria

Step 3: Add Extra Proteins (Optional)

If you want to boost your protein intake, you can add extra proteins for an additional cost. Here are some options:

• Grilled Adobo Chicken
• Ground Beef
• Pulled Pork
• Grilled Steak
• Brisket Birria

Step 4: Select Your Queso (Optional)

If you'd like some queso in your bowl, choose from the following options:

• Queso Diablo
• Three Cheese Queso

Step 5: Choose Your Salsas & Sauces

To add some flavor and spice to your bowl, select up to three salsas and sauces:

• Pico de Gallo
• Salsa Verde
• Salsa Roja
• Fiery Habanero
• Chili Crema
• Roasted Tomato Salsa
• Picante Ranch Dressing

Step 6: Load Up on Low-Carb Toppings

Now, it's time to add some keto-friendly toppings to your burrito bowl. You can choose as many of these toppings as you like:

• Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Guacamole
• Fajita Peppers
• Romaine Lettuce
• Pickled Red Onion
• Pickled Jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Bacon (available at select locations)

Step 7: Enjoy Your Keto Creation!

Now that you've customized your burrito bowl, it's time to enjoy your delicious and nutritious keto meal! Remember, if you're ever unsure about the carb content of a particular ingredient, you can always refer to Qdoba's nutrition guide or ask the staff for assistance.

Low-carb sides to add to your meal

If you're looking for some low-carb sides to accompany your meal, there are plenty of options to choose from that are both tasty and healthy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Grilled Vegetable Platter: Bring out the natural sweetness of summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers by grilling them. You can also add a marinade to boost the flavour.
• Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan: A tasty alternative to mashed potatoes, this side dish is creamy and satisfying.
• Sautéed Zucchini: A versatile side that pairs well with chicken, fish, or other proteins. You can also mix it up by using yellow summer squash for a colourful variation.
• Cauliflower-Broccoli Cheese Bake: A tasty combination of cauliflower, cheese, and broccoli that can be a comforting and indulgent low-carb option.
• Spinach-Parm Casserole: For those who don't like spinach, this dish with garlicky butter and Parmesan might change their minds.
• Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole: A rich and creamy dish with a crunchy topping, perfect for potlucks or pairing with various entrees.
• Green Bean Bundles: These bean bundles can be a unique and appetising low-carb side, especially when arranged around a mound of wild rice.
• Grilled Broccoli: Try coating broccoli in a lemon juice marinade, topping it with Parmesan, and grilling it for a smoky char.
• Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Sauté: A quick and flavourful side that goes well with almost any main dish.
• Skillet Cabbage: A simple and quick low-carb option when you need a vegetable side in a hurry.
• Oven-Roasted Carrots: A family-favourite side dish that's both tasty and nutritious.
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus: Asparagus with a rich, creamy sauce and cashews—an indulgent yet healthy option.
• Marinated Cucumbers: Crunchy, chilled cucumbers marinated in a tangy dressing—perfect for barbecues or holiday buffets.
• Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower: Roasting cauliflower brings out its flavour, and even those who don't usually like it may enjoy it this way.
• Chinese-Style Zucchini: A quick and tasty side that goes well with salmon, featuring toasted sesame seeds for extra flavour.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower: Adding bacon to this dish makes it more appealing to those who might not be fans of cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Simple yet delicious, sautéed mushrooms can be a great low-carb addition to your meal.
• Roasted Asparagus: A tasty and easy side dish, especially when asparagus is in season.
• Bok Choy and Radishes: A fresh and flavourful springtime dish that capitalises on seasonal ingredients.
• Oven-Fried Squash: A crispy and crunchy way to enjoy summer squash without the guilt of deep-frying.
• Italian Mushrooms: Only four ingredients—mushrooms, butter, parsley, and Parmesan cheese—come together to create a rich and flavourful side that pairs well with beef and mashed potatoes.
• Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and Olives: This squash dish is a great low-carb option, and you can also turn it into a main course by adding canned tuna.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are endless possibilities for low-carb sides to add to your meal. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your favourites!

Sauces to avoid

While Qdoba offers a range of keto-friendly options, including keto bowls and salads, it's important to be mindful of the sauces you choose to accompany your meal. Here's a list of sauces you may want to avoid when ordering keto at Qdoba:

• Chili Crema: With 1 gram of net carb per ounce, this sauce can quickly add up to your daily carb limit.
• Picante Ranch Dressing: This dressing contains 3 grams of net carbs per 1.5 ounces. If you're watching your carb intake, it's best to skip this one.
• Cilantro Lime Dressing: This seasonal dressing has 2 grams of net carbs per 0.75 ounces. It might not be the best choice if you're on a strict keto diet.
• Queso: While queso may sound tempting, it's important to remember that it can contribute to your carb count. Two ounces of three-cheese queso, for example, contain 3 grams of net carbs. If you really want to include queso in your meal, opt for a smaller portion.
• Ancho Chile BBQ Sauce: This sauce is mentioned as one of the vegetarian eats to avoid in a keto diet.

In general, it's recommended to hold the sauce or opt for keto-friendly alternatives like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or pico de gallo when ordering at Qdoba. These options will help you stay within your carb limit and maintain ketosis.

Qdoba's keto menu options

Qdoba is a Mexican-inspired fast-food chain that offers a range of keto-friendly options. While classic Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and burritos are off-limits due to their high carb count, there are plenty of other choices available. Here are some tips and suggestions for ordering keto at Qdoba:

Build Your Own Bowl or Salad

Qdoba allows customers to create their own meals, which is perfect for those following a keto diet. You can choose a base of shredded lettuce and add various keto-friendly ingredients. Recommended toppings include:

• Meat (grilled chicken, steak, ground beef, or brisket)
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Bacon
• Fajita vegetables
• Pico de gallo
• Salsa verde
• Eggs
• Cilantro

Qdoba Keto Menu Options

In addition to creating your own bowl or salad, Qdoba has introduced a "Vegetarian, Keto & More" category on their online menu, which includes the following keto-friendly options:

• Smoked Brisket Keto Bowl: Smoked brisket served over crisp romaine lettuce, topped with pico de gallo, shredded cheese, salsa verde, and hand-smashed guacamole.
• Cauli-Mash Low-Carb Chicken Bowl: Roasted cauliflower mash topped with grilled adobo chicken, fajita veggies, pico de gallo, salsa verde, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
• Paleo Chicken Salad: Grilled adobo chicken, fajita veggies, and hand-smashed guacamole served on a bed of romaine lettuce with pico de gallo and salsa verde.

Tips for Ordering Keto at Qdoba

When ordering at Qdoba, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use the nutrition menu to count carbs and make smart food choices.
• Customize your meal by asking for specific ingredients and excluding starchy sides like beans, rice, and corn.
• Choose your toppings carefully. Avoid sauces and queso as they can be high in carbs. Stick to toppings like guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa, and pico de gallo.
• Order online and use the dietary preferences section of the menu to avoid gluten, wheat, and other ingredients that may not be keto-friendly.
• Be cautious of hidden sugars and starches in toppings like heavy cream and guacamole.

Frequently asked questions