Zesty Avocado Crunch Taco Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to your new favorite summer dish β€” the Zesty Avocado Crunch Taco Salad. It's a vibrant, refreshing mix of flavors and textures that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Dive into this recipe that combines hearty ground turkey with fresh vegetables for a satisfying, guilt-free meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Avocado Crunch Taco Salad

The star of our salad is the ground turkey, a lean protein that absorbs the taco seasoning beautifully, adding a savory depth. Olive oil kicks off the cooking process, ensuring the turkey cooks evenly without sticking. Romaine lettuce provides a fresh, crisp base, while cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness. Avocado lends creaminess and healthy fats, complementing the black beans which bring protein and fiber. Corn kernels provide a pop of color and subtle sweetness, and red onion contributes a zesty bite. Shredded cheddar cheese melts slightly over the warm turkey, adding richness. For the dressing, sour cream is mixed with lime juice and fresh cilantro for a tangy, herby topping. Finally, tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try marinating the turkey in taco seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the turkey while it cooks.
  • To keep the avocado from browning, dice it just before adding to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with a light, citrusy white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc. If you're serving a crowd, consider providing a bowl of guacamole or salsa on the side for extra dipping. It's also perfect on its own for a light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef works just as well, though the cooking time might vary slightly.
What if I don't like cilantro?
No problem! You can leave it out or substitute with fresh parsley for a different herbal note.
How long will leftovers keep?
If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Keep the tortilla chips separate to maintain their crunch.

Zesty Avocado Crunch Taco Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey along with a tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat with a spatula until it's browned and cooked through. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.

While the turkey is cooking, grab a large bowl and start building your salad. Toss in the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, black beans, corn, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle mix to distribute all the ingredients evenly.

Now, add your cooked turkey to the salad. Toss everything gently to incorporate the turkey without mashing the avocado or breaking the tomatoes.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro. This will be your creamy, zesty dressing. Drizzle it over your salad, and give everything a final toss to coat each ingredient with that tangy goodness.

Right before serving, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top. They’re the finishing touch that brings a delightful crunch to your salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Loaded with fresh, colorful ingredients that are nutritious and satisfying.
  • Customizable to your taste β€” swap ingredients based on what you have at home.
  • The zesty lime dressing adds a bright, flavorful punch.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp taco seasoning
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels, cooked
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and taco seasoning, cook until browned.
2. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, black beans, corn, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add cooked turkey to the salad and toss gently.
4. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro to make the dressing.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
6. Top with crushed tortilla chips before serving.

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