Vibrant Southwest Turkey Bowl

This hearty healthy taco salad has become my weeknight dinner savior when I want something nutritious yet satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned taco meat, crisp veggies, and homemade crispy tortilla strips creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

This recipe became a staple in our house after my husband requested "something healthy but not boring" for dinner. I experimented with this taco salad and now it's requested at least once a week by everyone in the family.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas: Create the perfect crispy strips that add essential crunch factor and make this truly feel like a taco salad
• Lean ground turkey: Provides ample protein with less fat than beef while still delivering great flavor
• Chili powder spice blend: Brings authentic taco flavor without any artificial ingredients
• Black beans: Add fiber and plant protein to keep you satisfied longer
• Avocado: Delivers healthy fats that make this salad truly satisfying
• Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy dressing base without heavy calories of traditional sour cream
• Romaine lettuce: Offers the perfect crisp foundation and holds up well to the toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crisp the Tortilla Strips:

Cut your tortillas into half-inch strips and spread on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake at 425°F for about 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until they become golden and crispy. These homemade strips provide so much more flavor than store-bought versions and develop a wonderful toasty quality.

Season and Cook the Meat:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks through completely, about 5 minutes. The seasoning blend creates authentic taco flavor that infuses every bite of meat.

Prepare the Dressing:

Mix together equal parts salsa and Greek yogurt in a small bowl until well combined. This simple two-ingredient dressing brings tangy creaminess while keeping things light. The yogurt mellows the salsa's acidity while the salsa adds wonderful flavor dimension.

Assemble the Salad:

Layer romaine lettuce in a large bowl and drizzle with some of the dressing. Add the seasoned turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, cheese and green onions. Toss everything gently to combine all ingredients evenly. The warm turkey slightly wilts the lettuce just enough to bring cohesion.

Top with Tortilla Strips:

Sprinkle the crispy tortilla strips over the assembled salad just before serving. This ensures they maintain their crunch and create that perfect textural contrast against the other ingredients. Serve with remaining dressing on the side.

Save Pin

The key to this recipe's success is properly seasoning the ground turkey. This isn't just any bland meat on a salad - the chili powder, cumin and garlic powder transform it into something truly crave-worthy. My family started requesting this salad after I doubled the spices from my original recipe version!

Make It Your Own

This taco salad welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have available. Try adding pickled jalapeños for heat, swap in ground beef or chicken if preferred, or use different beans like pinto or kidney. The foundation stays the same while you can make endless variations.

For vegetarians, replace the turkey with an extra can of beans or crumbled tempeh sautéed with the same spice mixture. The salad remains satisfying and protein-rich while accommodating different dietary needs.

Better Meal Prep

This salad excels as a make-ahead option when stored properly. Prepare all components separately and refrigerate in individual containers. The cooked turkey keeps up to 4 days, as do the beans and corn. Chop romaine and store with a paper towel to absorb moisture, extending its freshness.

For office lunches, the mason jar method works beautifully. Layer dressing at the bottom, followed by turkey and beans, then vegetables, ending with lettuce on top. Pack tortilla strips separately to maintain their crunch. When ready to eat, simply shake the jar to distribute the dressing.

Nutrition Boost

This taco salad delivers impressive nutritional benefits beyond just being delicious. The combination provides 18g of fiber per serving, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. The lean turkey and beans create a protein powerhouse while avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

For those watching sodium, rinsing canned beans reduces their sodium content by about 40%. Using reduced-sodium black beans as the recipe suggests further enhances the salad's heart-healthy profile without sacrificing flavor.

Save Pin

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works wonderfully in this dish. For a leaner option similar to the 93% lean turkey, choose 90-93% lean ground beef. Season it with the same spice mixture (chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder) for authentic taco flavors. Cooking time remains the same - about 5 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese and replace the Greek yogurt in the dressing with dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado. For a completely different but equally delicious option, use a vinaigrette made with lime juice, olive oil, and the same spices used for the meat (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder) instead of the yogurt-based dressing.

→ What's the best way to meal prep this for lunches?

For meal prep, store components separately: cooked turkey in one container, beans and corn in another, chopped vegetables in a third, and dressing in a small jar. Pack the romaine lettuce separately to keep it crisp. Prepare the tortilla strips in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble just before eating. Mason jar assembly also works well—layer dressing on bottom, followed by protein and vegetables, with lettuce on top.

→ Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! To increase the heat level, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground turkey while cooking. You could also mix some hot sauce into the salsa-yogurt dressing or top the finished bowl with sliced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Using a spicy salsa in the dressing will also contribute additional heat.

→ Is there a vegetarian adaptation of this dish?

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with an additional can of black beans (drained and rinsed) or 2 cups of crumbled extra-firm tofu sautéed with the same seasonings. Another excellent option is to use cooked quinoa or brown rice mixed with the spices for a hearty base. The rest of the components remain the same, resulting in a protein-rich vegetarian meal.

→ How long will the homemade tortilla strips stay crispy?

The homemade tortilla strips will stay crispy for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For maximum crispness, keep them separated from other ingredients until ready to serve. If they lose some crispness, you can refresh them by placing them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes.