Taco salads are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos. By swapping out ground beef for lean ground turkey you can create a healthier version that’s just as delicious. This flavorful salad is easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings. It makes a filling main dish or side salad for any occasion.
Why Choose Ground Turkey for Taco Salad
Ground turkey is lower in fat than ground beef, making it a smart choice for taco salad. It also has plenty of protein to keep you full and satisfied. Turkey provides a nice mild flavor that pairs well with robust taco seasonings. It readily absorbs the spices and salsa flavors in the salad.
Ground turkey is affordable and versatile. It’s available at most grocery stores near other ground meats. Be sure to choose a lean variety with minimal fat content.
Taco Salad Ingredients
A taco salad starts with a base of crisp lettuce or mixed greens. Romaine and iceberg lettuce are common choices that hold up well under hefty toppings.
The seasoned ground turkey provides the main protein. Onions and garlic add flavor when sauteed with the meat. Canned beans, like black or kidney, make a nice addition.
Transform the meat and veggies into a Mexican-style taco mixture with chili powder, cumin, salsa, and other spices. Top with whatever taco toppings you love like guacamole, cheese, sour cream, etc.
How to Cook Ground Turkey for Taco Salad
Cooking ground turkey for taco salad is quick and easy. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil then cook the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
After 5-7 minutes when the turkey is no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes.
Next stir in seasonings like chili powder cumin, and taco seasoning along with salsa and beans. Let the mixture simmer until heated through and the flavors meld.
Assembling the Taco Salad
To assemble the salad, start with a base of chopped lettuce in a bowl or plate. Top with the warm turkey taco mixture.
Add any other desired toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, etc. Drizzle with salsa ranch or Catalina dressing.
For extra crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips or chips strips. Dig in while the turkey and toppings are still warm and crisp. Enjoy this lighter take on tasty tacos.
Tips for the Best Turkey Taco Salad
- Choose 99% lean ground turkey for maximum leanness.
- Drain fat from turkey after browning to reduce calories.
- Add beans or corn for extra fiber.
- Make it vegetarian by using soy crumbles instead.
- Use lettuce wraps instead of chips or shells for lower carbs.
- Play around with fun topping combinations.
- Serve with margaritas or Mexican beer. ¡Olé!
Ground turkey makes a delicious and healthier alternative to ground beef in taco salad recipes. Simply swap in lean turkey when cooking the meat mixture. Then pile high with all your favorite taco fixings over fresh greens or lettuce. With endless ways to customize it, this salad pleases all tastes. Give it a try for your next taco night!
a salad for people who “don’t like salads”
This, my friends, is the stuff that salad dreams are made of. I get several messages a week from people who have been making the Mango Peanut Salad on repeat so I figured — OK, it’s time to give the people another freakishly good salad recipe.
I highly recommend doubling the taco meat to make tacos or quesadillas later on in the week. We’re taking some …
Turkey Taco Salad Meal Prep
How to cook turkey for tacos?
Cook turkey in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes; season with taco seasoning mix. Add green bell pepper; cook and stir until pepper is tender, about 5 minutes. Arrange salad greens onto 2 plates. Top greens with tortilla chips, cheese, and onion. Spoon cooked turkey over the each salad. Top with salsa and sour cream.
Is taco salad healthy to eat?
Taco is a Mexican dish consisting of rolled tortilla filled with various mixtures like seasoned minced chicken or beans. Taco salad is very healthy its high in protein and fiber as it is topped with cheese, nuts, sprouts or legumes and dressed with oil. It form a very light complete meal.
What is a taco salad?
Taco salads are a Tex-Mex dish inspired by Mexican tacos. The toppings for taco salad are usually similar to the ones served on tacos and other Mexican foods. Wash and dry your salad greens before starting on the meat.
How do you make a taco salad?
Mix together the turkey, lettuce, green onions, kidney beans, cheese, pickles and olives. Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar and taco sauce. Pour dressing over salad and refrigerate. Before serving, mix in 2 cups broken tortilla chips. Garnish with whole chips and serve.
How do you cook a Turkey Taco in a frying pan?
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When warm, add the turkey, onion and taco seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through. Next, deglaze the pan with the chicken stock, which helps to sop up all the little leftover turkey bits stuck to the edges and bottoms of the pan.
What is a good taco salad for a weeknight meal?
Elevate taco night at home with this delicious Turkey Taco Salad. Sauté ground turkey, onions and black beans, then place on a bed of spinach with toppings. Finish with a drizzle with a homemade Catalina dressing. Easy to personalize, this Turkey Taco Salad is well-loved and perfect for a weeknight meal.