Spicy Santa Fe Taco Salad

🌶️ Spicy Santa Fe Taco Salad

This Spicy Santa Fe Taco Salad is a bold and satisfying meal packed with lean ground turkey, black beans, and a creamy avocado dip 🥑. It’s the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and freshness — ideal for meal prep, lunch, or a quick dinner that feels indulgent yet stays healthy.

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad isn’t your ordinary taco bowl. It’s high in protein, fiber-rich, and loaded with healthy fats from avocado and Greek yogurt. The flavors of jalapeño, paprika, and cilantro blend beautifully with the creamy avocado dressing for a Southwestern-inspired meal that keeps you full and energized 💪.

🧑‍🍳 How to Make It

🔥 Prepare the Topping

1. Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart until no longer pink.
3. Stir in the black beans, jalapeño, tomatoes, garlic, scallions, cilantro, corn, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes, then uncover and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce any excess liquid.

🥑 Make the Avocado Dip

1. In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, water, half the avocado, cilantro, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until silky smooth — this will be your creamy dressing. Set aside.

🥗 Assemble the Salad

1. Divide shredded lettuce among 4 serving bowls.
2. Top with the warm turkey mixture, Mexican cheese blend, tomato, and remaining avocado.
3. Spoon the avocado dip on top and garnish with crushed tortilla chips and extra cilantro 🌿.

🧠 Pro Tips & Variations

• Add more heat: Mix in a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce to the turkey for an extra kick 🔥.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the turkey for more beans or lentils — it’s just as flavorful.
• Crunch upgrade: Use baked tortilla strips or toasted pepitas for added crunch.
• Meal prep tip: Keep the avocado dip separate and add just before serving to keep everything fresh.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a side of grilled corn or roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal. It’s also great inside a wrap or tortilla for a heartier option!

🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 347 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 380 mg

💬 FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well — just make sure to season it generously for flavor.

Can I make the dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning.

Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! Store each component separately and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness and crunch.

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A perfect blend of spice, protein, and crunch, this Spicy Santa Fe Taco Salad brings the flavors of the Southwest straight to your table 🌮❤️.