Description
Savory Turkey Taco Salad brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with a healthy twist. Crisp greens, seasoned ground turkey, and zesty toppings create a delightful meal you can enjoy without guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground turkey (93/7)
- 1 15-ounce can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
Salad Base and Vegetables:
- 1 large head romaine (washed and chopped)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (diced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 serrano or jalapeno (sliced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/2 ripe avocado
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (or feta, or crumbled cotija)
- kosher salt
- freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
- Craft the zesty salad dressing by blending all ingredients until silky smooth, adjusting salt and pepper for optimal flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce ground turkey and taco seasoning to the skillet, methodically breaking down meat while cooking until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate black beans into the turkey mixture, allowing them to heat through and meld flavors for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Create a vibrant base layer in serving bowls by arranging crisp romaine and shredded cabbage as the foundation.
- Strategically distribute fresh red onion, juicy diced tomatoes, and sweet corn kernels across the greens.
- Generously crown the salad with the seasoned turkey and bean mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Embellish the dish with crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro sprigs, and a sprinkle of tangy cheese.
- Finalize the presentation by drizzling the prepared dressing over the salad, allowing each ingredient to shine.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning by using homemade taco blend for fresher, more vibrant flavor profiles.
- Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make quick weeknight assembly super easy and stress-free.
- Swap corn tortilla strips with baked zucchini chips for a lower-carb alternative that adds crunch without extra calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg