Make a Delicious and Healthy Taco Salad with Turkey

Taco salads are a favorite go-to meal for many people. They are easy to throw together customizable and full of flavor. Using ground turkey instead of ground beef is an easy way to make this Tex-Mex favorite a bit healthier. The combination of taco-seasoned turkey, beans, veggies, cheese, and crunchy romaine can’t be beat!

Why Try Turkey Taco Salad

Ground turkey is lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef. A 3 ounce serving of 90% lean ground beef contains around 200 calories and 15 grams of fat. The same amount of 93% lean ground turkey only has 140 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. Going with ground turkey is an easy swap that cuts almost half the calories and over 75% of the fat without sacrificing any flavor.

Turkey taco salad also fits nicely into a healthy lifestyle. Romaine lettuce is packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. The vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Beans add protein and fiber to keep you full. Using reduced-fat cheese keeps calories in check while still providing creaminess and cheesiness.

Overall, turkey taco salad averages around 300-400 calories per serving depending on toppings. It’s a lighter dinner choice that still keeps you satisfied. The variety of flavors and textures also makes it seem like a treat

How to Make Turkey Taco Salad

Making turkey taco salad at home is quick and easy. Here are some step-by-step instructions:

Cook the Ground Turkey:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound lean ground turkey.
• Break up the turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
• Drain excess grease if needed.
• Add taco seasoning and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to coat turkey.

Prep the Toppings:

• Chop romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, peppers or other desired veggies.
• Rinse and drain a can of beans like black or pinto.
• Grate cheese if using.

Make the Dressing:

• Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and seasoning to taste.
• For creamy dressing, blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lime, cilantro, and seasoning.

Assemble the Salads:

• Place chopped romaine in bowls.
• Layer on beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese and other toppings.
• Top with taco turkey.
• Drizzle with dressing.

Sprinkle crunchy tortilla chips on top for extra crunch!

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about taco salad is how customizable it is. Switch up the flavors by using different add-ins:

• Southwest Taco Salad: Black beans, corn, avocado, tortilla strips, chipotle ranch dressing

• Fajita Taco Salad: Bell peppers, onions, cheddar, salsa dressing

• Taco Pizza Salad: Pepperoni, black olives, mozzarella, Italian dressing

• Thai Peanut Taco Salad: Carrots, cabbage, edamame, cilantro, peanut dressing

• Greek Taco Salad: Chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, red onion, Greek dressing

You can also swap in different proteins like ground beef, shredded chicken, or crumbled chorizo. The options are endless!

Healthy Turkey Taco Salad Tips

Here are some extra tips for making turkey taco salad as nutritious as possible:

• Use 93% lean ground turkey or 99% lean ground turkey breast to cut fat and calories.

• Load up on veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, cabbage, etc.

• Choose reduced-fat cheese or limit to 1 ounce per serving.

• Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to make lower-fat dressing options.

• Swap in a whole grain like brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat couscous for part of the romaine.

• Top with crunchy baked tortilla chips instead of deep-fried for less fat.

• For more protein, use both turkey and beans.

Make-Ahead Turkey Taco Salad

One of the bonuses of taco salad is that it lends itself perfectly to meal prepping! Follow these tips:

• Cook a big batch of taco turkey at the start of the week. Let cool and refrigerate.

• Prep lettuce and veggies in advance and store separately.

• Make a big batch of dressing and store in the fridge up to 5 days.

• Store any toppings like cheese, avocado, etc. separately.

To assemble each day, simply scoop taco turkey, add toppings, drizzle with dressing, and enjoy! Preparing the components ahead makes throwing together a quick salad simple.

For work lunches, bring dressing in a separate container and don’t add until ready to eat to avoid soggy lettuce.

Satisfying Turkey Taco Salad Recipes

Need a turkey taco salad recipe? Here are some tasty ones to try:

Simple Turkey Taco Salad

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 head romaine, chopped
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 avocado, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz. shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Tortilla chips, crushed

Southwest Turkey Taco Salad

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 5 cups chopped romaine
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy a Fresh and Healthy Dinner

Turkey taco salad is an easy weeknight winner that packs in vegetables, fiber, and lean protein. Taking a Tex-Mex favorite and giving it a healthy twist with ground turkey is so simple. Just throw together a flavorful taco-seasoned turkey topping, pile it on crisp lettuce and load up the toppings. With endless ways to customize your salad, this is one dinner you’ll make again and again.

ground turkey: 21
lettuce/romaine: 11
dressing: 10
beans: 7
veggies/toppings: 15
cheese: 5
avocado: 4