Turkey Taco Salad

This Turkey Taco Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together all the classic flavors of a taco in a light, healthy salad form. Packed with seasoned ground turkey, fresh veggies, and a creamy salsa dressing, this dish is as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for warm weather, it’s filling enough to be a main meal but light enough for a refreshing summer dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love tacos, you’ll absolutely adore this Turkey Taco Salad. It has all the flavors you crave – the spiced turkey, tangy salsa, creamy dressing, and a satisfying crunch from fresh veggies. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you want something fresh and tasty without much hassle. The combination of textures and bright, zesty flavors will make this salad a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Turkey:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 small red onion, diced

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (see notes for homemade)

• 1/2 cup jarred salsa

For the Creamy Salsa Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Vegenaise, or low-fat sour cream)

• 1/3 cup jarred salsa

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

• 2 teaspoons Tajín (optional – see notes)

For the Salad:

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced

• 1-2 small tomatoes, diced (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes)

• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

• 1 14 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese or feta

• 2 ears of corn, shucked (see notes)

• 2 avocados, diced, or mashed for guacamole (see notes)

• Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)

• Lime wedges for serving

Directions

1. Cook the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, until softened. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir to combine. Add the salsa, stir, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, adding a little water if the mixture seems dry.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or sour cream), salsa, lime juice, salt, and Tajín, if using. Mix well and set aside or refrigerate if preparing ahead of time.

3. Prepare the Salad: In the largest serving bowl you have, layer the romaine lettuce on the bottom. Top with the cooked turkey, diced tomatoes, red onion, black beans, cheese, corn kernels, and avocado (or dollops of guacamole). Drizzle the creamy salsa dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

4. Serve: Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side and extra dressing if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4-5

Variations

• Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a more personalized touch, make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper (recipe included in the notes).

• Grilled Corn: Grill the corn for extra flavor and texture. Simply grill the ears on high heat for about 7 minutes, rotating occasionally, until charred. Then slice the kernels off.

• Guacamole: Instead of diced avocado, make quick guacamole by mashing avocados with lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salt. This adds a creamy element to the salad.

• Spicy Option: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture or to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Make Ahead: You can cook the turkey ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Grill the corn and chop the veggies ahead as well. Make the dressing and refrigerate all components. When ready to assemble, just add fresh guacamole and toss everything together.

• Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce may wilt, but the flavors will still be delicious.

• Reheating: If you have leftover turkey, gently reheat it in a skillet before serving. It pairs beautifully with fresh salad ingredients and dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground turkey with black beans, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

2. Can I use a different protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add jalapeños to the turkey mixture, sprinkle some chili flakes on top, or use a spicy salsa for an extra kick.

4. Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it and lightly sauté or grill it to give it more flavor.

5. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy salsa dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

6. How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?

To prevent the lettuce from wilting, avoid adding dressing to the salad until you’re ready to serve. Keep the dressing separate until just before eating.

7. Can I use sour cream instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, sour cream is a great substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing. It will give the dressing a tangy flavor.

8. Can I make this salad without avocado?

Yes, if you don’t have avocados or prefer not to use them, you can skip them or replace them with a dollop of guacamole.

9. Can I grill the veggies?

Grilling the vegetables like corn and tomatoes will add an extra layer of smoky flavor to the salad. Feel free to grill them if you prefer.

10. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Turkey Taco Salad is naturally gluten-free, as it uses fresh ingredients with no gluten-containing products.

Conclusion

This Turkey Taco Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of seasoned turkey, fresh vegetables, and the creamy salsa dressing creates a satisfying meal that’s light yet filling. With endless ways to customize it, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, especially during the warmer months. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering!