Description
Fresh, zesty, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, Turkey Taco Salad is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something healthy yet satisfying. It combines lean ground turkey with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, hearty beans, and crunchy tortilla chips—everything you love about tacos in salad form. Ideal for quick meals, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound ground turkey
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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⅓ cup water
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6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or mixed greens)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
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1 avocado, diced
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
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¼ cup sliced red onions
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1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
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A handful of tortilla chips, crushed
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lime wedges (for serving)
For the dressing:
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½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon taco seasoning
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Salt to taste
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
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Add tomato paste and water. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, and salt. Thin with a little water if desired.
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In a large salad bowl or on individual plates, layer lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, cheese, red onions, and jalapeño slices.
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Top with the warm turkey taco mixture.
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Drizzle with the prepared dressing.
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Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
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For a spicier kick, add hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
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You can swap turkey for ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
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To make it dairy-free, use non-dairy yogurt and cheese alternatives.
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Great for meal prep: store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes