How to eat low carb at Qdoba?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Qdoba's dietary guide, all their proteins and salsas are naturally low-carb, making it simple to build a custom, diet-friendly meal. This guide will show you how to navigate the menu for satisfying low-carb and keto options.

Quick Summary

Build a low carb meal at Qdoba by customizing bowls or salads. Select specific proteins, veggies, and toppings while avoiding high-carb items like tortillas, rice, and beans.

Key Points

Build a Bowl, Not a Burrito: Choose a bowl or salad base instead of a tortilla or chips to eliminate a major source of carbohydrates.
Select Low-Carb Proteins: Opt for grilled adobo chicken, grilled steak, or pulled pork as your main protein source.
Choose the Cauliflower Mash: Use Qdoba's Mexican Cauliflower Mash as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
Load Up on Veggies: Enhance your meal's flavor and volume with fajita vegetables, romaine lettuce, and pico de gallo.
Flavor with Salsas: Stick to low-carb salsas like pico de gallo and salsa verde for a kick, and use cheese and sour cream in moderation.
Avoid High-Carb Add-ins: Skip items like rice, beans, tortillas, and chips to keep your meal strictly low-carb.
Consider Pre-Made Bowls: Opt for the pre-built Keto Bowls for a quick, guaranteed low-carb option.

Building Your Low-Carb Qdoba Meal from the Ground Up

Eating low carb at Qdoba is surprisingly simple, thanks to their custom bowl and salad options. The key is to avoid the high-carb staples like tortillas, rice, and chips and instead focus on a solid base of protein and fresh vegetables. Qdoba makes this easy by allowing you to build your meal component by component, giving you full control over the macros. By starting with a bowl and being mindful of your fillings, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary goals. For an extra low-carb boost, consider the Mexican Cauliflower Mash, a keto-friendly alternative to rice.

Choosing Your Low-Carb Protein

Protein is the centerpiece of a satisfying meal, and at Qdoba, you have excellent low-carb choices. The meats are naturally low in carbohydrates and provide the necessary fuel to keep you full and energized. Options include:

Grilled Adobo Chicken: A classic, reliable choice with only 1g of net carbs per 3.5 oz serving.
Grilled Steak: Another great option, offering 3g of net carbs per 3.5 oz serving.
Pulled Pork (Carnitas): This flavorful option has zero net carbs and is a fantastic way to change things up.
Brisket Birria: A flavorful, keto-friendly option found in specific keto bowls or as a custom add-on.

For those looking for a plant-based alternative, the Impossible Protein is also a valid low-carb choice.

Smart Toppings for Your Bowl

This is where you can truly customize your meal and load up on flavor without adding unnecessary carbs. Your low-carb toppings list should include:

Romaine Lettuce: The perfect base for a low-carb salad or bowl.
Fajita Vegetables: Sautéed onions and peppers add great flavor and texture with minimal carbs.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh and zesty topping with very few carbs.
Salsa Verde or Salsa Roja: Both are great, low-carb options for adding a kick.
Shredded Cheese: Adds flavor and fat content, but be mindful of portion size.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and fat. Again, moderate your portion.
Hand-Smashed Guacamole: A source of healthy fats and flavor, available at no extra charge.

Pre-Built Keto and Low-Carb Bowls

For those who prefer a grab-and-go option, Qdoba offers pre-designed keto bowls that take the guesswork out of ordering. These bowls are a great example of a balanced low-carb meal.

The Keto Bowl (Chicken): Features grilled adobo chicken, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa verde, shredded cheese, and guacamole.
The Keto Bowl (Brisket Birria): Made with brisket birria, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa verde, cheese, and guacamole.

Qdoba Low Carb vs. Traditional Meal Components

This comparison table helps illustrate which ingredients to choose and which to avoid when building a low-carb meal at Qdoba.


Low-Carb Friendly Choice	Higher-Carb Alternative	Reason for Selection
Bowl or Salad	Burrito or Tacos	Eliminates the high-carb flour or corn tortillas.
Mexican Cauliflower Mash	Cilantro Lime Rice or Brown Rice	Significantly reduces carbohydrate count.
Grilled Adobo Chicken	Tortilla Strips	Opts for a lean protein source instead of starchy garnish.
Fajita Vegetables	Black or Pinto Beans	Beans add fiber but also a higher number of carbs.
Guacamole & Sour Cream	Queso	All three add richness, but guacamole and sour cream have lower net carbs.
Salsa Verde & Pico de Gallo	Creamy Dressings	Offers fresh flavor with minimal carbs compared to richer, high-sugar dressings.

Items to Avoid for a Low-Carb Diet

To keep your meal low-carb, you must actively steer clear of certain items. These ingredients are delicious but can quickly derail your carb count:

Tortillas: The foundation of burritos and tacos is a significant source of carbohydrates.
Cilantro Lime Rice & Brown Rice: Both rice options are high in carbs. Opt for the cauliflower mash instead.
Black & Pinto Beans: While nutritious, beans are too high in carbs for a strict low-carb diet.
Tortilla Chips: An obvious source of carbs, these should be avoided if you are trying to minimize intake.
Creamy Dressings and Sauces: Some dressings and sauces can contain hidden sugars and carbs. Stick to salsas.

The Secret to Flavor: Salsas and Sauces

Your low-carb Qdoba meal doesn't have to be bland. The salsas are your secret weapon for adding flavor without extra carbs. Opt for fresh salsas like pico de gallo and salsa verde. You can also add their signature 3-cheese queso and sour cream in moderation, as they are lower in net carbs than many people assume. Just be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your daily macros.

Conclusion

Eating low carb at Qdoba is not only possible but can be a delicious and customizable experience. By starting with a bowl or salad, choosing low-carb proteins like grilled chicken or steak, and loading up on fresh vegetables and salsas, you can enjoy a satisfying Mexican-inspired meal. Remembering to skip the high-carb items like rice, beans, and tortillas is the main takeaway. With the introduction of the Mexican Cauliflower Mash and transparent nutritional information, Qdoba continues to be a great option for those managing their carb intake. For more detailed information on specific ingredients, consult the official Qdoba nutrition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Qdoba is very keto-friendly if you customize your order. The best way to achieve this is by ordering a bowl or salad and avoiding high-carb bases like tortillas and rice. Their official keto bowls also provide an easy, pre-designed option.

Qdoba's Mexican Cauliflower Mash is a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to rice. It is made from oven-roasted cauliflower blended with sour cream, cilantro, and pico de gallo, and it contains only 6 grams of carbs per serving.

Yes, shredded cheese and sour cream are both considered acceptable in moderation on a low-carb or keto diet. They add flavor and fat content with a low net carb count.

No, both black and pinto beans are relatively high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a strict low-carb or keto diet. They contribute significantly to the total carb count of a meal.

Yes, you can, but you will need to customize it. The simplest method is to order a salad with your desired protein and low-carb toppings and just think of it as a deconstructed taco salad. You can also ask for your ingredients in a lettuce cup.

While most of Qdoba's fresh salsas (like pico de gallo and salsa verde) are low-carb, you should be cautious with any creamy or high-sugar dressings. Sticking to the straightforward salsas is the safest low-carb option.

Yes, Qdoba regularly offers specific Keto Bowls, which are pre-designed to be low in carbohydrates. Examples include the Brisket Keto Bowl and Chicken Keto Bowl, which can be found on their online ordering system and menu.