Crunchy, salty chips; warm, fluffy burritos; a side of beans and rice—all things that you absolutely can’t eat on the keto diet…and all things that Chipotle churns out on the regular.
So, honestly, you’d think that Chipotle is totally off-limits on the keto diet…right? Don’t stop saving your change yet (for the extra guac—it’s $1.95, remember?). You can definitely find keto-friendly options at the fast-casual Mexican restaurant—and you honestly don’t have to look too hard for them (praise be to the build-your-own option).
A few tips to start you off: Steer clear of the rice and beans (obviously); the burrito, taco, and tortilla chip options are pretty much no-gos too. But aside from all that, you can have a damn delicious (and fat-friendly) meals (salad is a key player—though with all the guac and sour cream you’ll put on it, you may not even be able to call it a salad).
In keeping with Chipotle’s awesome build-your-own setup, here are just a few options you can get at the restaurant—but honestly, it’s super-easy to make your own keto-friendly meal with Chipotle’s nutrition calculator. Just remember that guac is extra (but damn worth it, if you’re keto).
1. Chicken and Steak Burrito Bowl with Fresh Tomato Salsa, Guacamole, and Romaine Lettuce
So, clearly, you can’t get the typical rice-and-beans portion of this burrito bowl, but who says you can’t get extra meat instead? Top your meat with some fresh salsa, guacamole, and romaine lettuce and it’s basically a meat-lover’s taco salad (and pretty damn keto-friendly).
Per serving: 590 calories, 35 g fat (9 g sat fat), 1560 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 9 g fiber, 55 g protein.
2. Steak and Chorizo Burrito Bowl with Tomatillo-Red Chili Salsa, Sour Cream, Cheese, and Romaine Lettuce
Here’s another extra meat option—this time with chorizo and steak. Nix the guac this time and go crazy on the dairy (sour cream and cheese). But keep the romaine lettuce—veggies are important too.
Per serving: 705 calories, 41 g fat (23.5 g sat fat), 1860 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 61 g protein.
3. Carnitas Salad with Fajita Vegetables, Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, and Cheese
Chipotle salads on the keto diet are the epitome of not-boring salads. Add extra veggies to this one for just five grams of carbohydrates. But here’s a tip: Avoid the vinaigrette—one serving will cost you 18 grams of carbs.
Per serving:365 calories, 20 g fat (12 g sat fat), 1055 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 5 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 31 g protein.
4. Vegetarian Salad with Fajita Vegetables, Sour Cream, Cheese, and Guacamole
Vegan keto isn’t exactly a great idea (it’s just too restrictive), but you can probably squeak by as a keto vegetarian. Something to keep in mind here, guacamole has eight grams of carbs, but six grams of dietary fiber—that means it only has two grams of net carbs (what keto dieters really care about).
Per serving: 480 calories, 39 g fat (15.5 g sat fat), 745 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrates, 6 g sugar, 8 g fiber, 12 g protein.
Need an excuse to eat more meat? This woman actually switched from a vegan diet to keto and lost 60 pounds:
5. Chicken Salad with Fresh Tomato Salsa, Sour Cream, Cheese, and Guacamole
Honestly, this one’s just a classic (you know, minus the rice and beans). And what other diet would let you have sour cream, cheese, and guacamole in the same meal?
Per serving: 685 calories, 46 g fat (18.5 g sat fat), 1605 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrates, 7 g sugar, 9 g fiber, 44 g protein.
6. Barbacoa Salad with Sour Cream, Cheese, and Queso
You know that famous keto dish called “crack chicken” (it’s basically just a super-creamy, cheesy, chicken dish)? Well, consider this Chipotle’s version (it’s got sour cream, cheese, and queso, after all).
Per serving: 540 calories, 32 g fat (20 g sat fat), 880 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 5 g sugar, 1.5 g fiber, 47 g protein.
