Name: Best Taco Salad: Amazing, Hearty and Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 package ground turkey ((about 1 pound)); 1½ cups onions, (chopped); 1 clove fresh garlic, (chopped or 1½ teaspoons from a jar); 1 (14 oz) jar pasta or tomato sauce ((we like pasta sauce from a jar, such as Prego Pasta Sauce)); 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, (drained and rinsed); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, (drained and rinsed); 1 (15 oz) can tomatoes, (chopped); ½ cup water; 1 tablespoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 cups romaine lettuce, (about 2 bags, chopped); 2 cups tomatoes, (chopped); ½ cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, (shredded (optional)); ½ cup Best Skinny Ranch Dressing or your favorite reduced-fat ranch dressing,; 1 cup (no-oil) Guiltless Gourmet blue corn tortilla chips, (crushed, or any reduced-fat tortilla chips); Chunky salsa, (medium hot (I like Pace Chunky Salsa))

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Years ago I owned a very popular reduced-fat restaurant with two locations in the LA area called Nancy’s Healthy Kitchen. This taco salad was by far the most popular item on the menu. Some of our customers, including my husband, ate this delicious salad for lunch or dinner every day for several years! It’s such a hearty and satisfying main course salad. Men particularly seem to love it. It’s a little warm, due to the skinny chili, part spicy from the salsa and way cool from the skinny ranch dressing. Unlike most tostadas served in a deep-fried shell, this taco salad is topped with crushed reduced-fat blue corn tortilla chips to add some crunch. Each hearty main course salad has 346 calories, and 6 grams of fat. I think you’re going to love this hearty main course salad.

Why You'll Love the Best Taco Salad: Amazing, Hearty and Delicious

Craving a meal that's both exciting and satisfying? Look no further than the Best Taco Salad! Imagine a vibrant bowl brimming with crisp lettuce, juicy seasoned meat (whether it's savory ground beef, tender chicken, or flavorful plant-based alternatives), and a colorful fiesta of toppings like ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese. This isn't just another boring salad; it's a hearty and delicious explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling completely satisfied. The customizable nature of a taco salad means everyone can build their perfect bowl, making it a fantastic option for families or those with dietary preferences. Say goodbye to bland lunches and dinners and hello to an amazing, flavorful experience with the Best Taco Salad – it’s a delicious adventure in every bite!

Diving Deep into the Ingredients That Make This Taco Salad Shine

This taco salad gets its satisfying base from a flavorful turkey chili, packed with wholesome ingredients:

Ground Turkey: This lean protein powerhouse forms the meaty heart of our chili. Opting for ground turkey instead of beef provides a lighter yet equally satisfying texture and taste, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. It readily absorbs the aromatic spices, creating a truly delicious foundation.

Onions: These humble vegetables are aromatic dynamos!¹ When sautéed, chopped onions release a sweet and savory depth that builds the foundational flavor of the chili. They add a subtle pungency and a layer of complexity that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Fresh Garlic: A cornerstone of savory cooking, fresh garlic brings a pungent and slightly spicy kick to the chili. Its aromatic oils infuse the dish with a distinctive and irresistible flavor. Using fresh garlic ensures a brighter and more vibrant taste compared to pre-jarred options.

Pasta or Tomato Sauce: This ingredient acts as the luscious binder for our chili, creating a rich and cohesive sauce. A good quality pasta or tomato sauce provides a sweet and tangy tomato flavor that complements the spices and other vegetables. The thickness of the sauce also contributes to the chili's satisfying texture.

Kidney Beans: These kidney-shaped legumes add a wonderful creaminess and hearty texture to the chili. Packed with protein and fiber, kidney beans contribute to the salad's satisfying nature and provide a subtle earthy flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.²

Black Beans: Another nutritional powerhouse, black beans offer a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor compared to kidney beans. Their firm texture adds another layer of interest to the chili, making each bite more complex and satisfying. Like kidney beans, they are also a great source of protein and fiber.

Chopped Tomatoes: Bringing a burst of fresh, juicy flavor, chopped tomatoes add a vibrant acidity to the chili. Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements, and their slightly chunky texture contributes to the overall heartiness of the dish.

Water: This simple yet essential ingredient helps to bring the chili together, creating the perfect consistency. It allows the flavors to meld and simmer, resulting in a well-balanced and delicious sauce.

Chili Powder: The quintessential spice for chili, chili powder is a blend of various dried chili peppers and other spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.³ It provides the characteristic warm, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor that defines chili.

Ground Cumin: This warm and earthy spice adds a distinct Middle Eastern and Southwestern flair to the chili.⁴ Its aromatic notes enhance the overall flavor profile, providing a subtle depth and complexity.

Ground Red Pepper: For those who like a little heat, ground red pepper (cayenne pepper) provides a noticeable kick. Just a small amount adds a pleasant warmth without overpowering the other flavors. You can adjust the quantity to your preferred level of spiciness.

Black Pepper: A common yet crucial seasoning, black pepper adds a subtle pungency and a touch of warmth that enhances the overall flavor of the chili.⁵ Freshly ground black pepper offers the most vibrant taste.

Salt: The fundamental flavor enhancer, salt brings out the natural tastes of all the other ingredients in the chili. It balances the sweetness, acidity, and spiciness, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious final product.

Once our flavorful chili is ready, we build our vibrant taco salad with these fresh and exciting components:

Romaine Lettuce: The crisp and slightly bitter leaves of romaine lettuce provide the refreshing and crunchy base for our salad. Its sturdy texture holds up well to the warm chili and other toppings, ensuring a satisfying bite in every forkful.

Chopped Tomatoes: Adding another layer of juicy sweetness and vibrant color, chopped tomatoes contribute to the freshness and overall appeal of the salad. Their slightly acidic nature also helps to balance the richness of the chili and dressing.

Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese (Optional): For those who love a cheesy touch, reduced-fat cheddar cheese offers a milder flavor and creamy texture without adding excessive fat. Its savory notes complement the other ingredients beautifully, adding a comforting element to the salad.

Best Skinny Ranch Dressing or Your Favorite Reduced-Fat Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy ranch dressing ties all the elements together. Opting for a reduced-fat version allows you to enjoy the classic ranch flavor without the extra calories and fat. Its cool and herby notes provide a delightful contrast to the warm chili and crunchy chips.

Guiltless Gourmet Blue Corn Tortilla Chips (Crushed) or Any Reduced-Fat Tortilla Chips: These crushed tortilla chips provide an irresistible crunch and a hint of salty, corn flavor. Using reduced-fat or no-oil options allows you to enjoy this satisfying texture without derailing your healthy eating goals. The blue corn adds a unique visual appeal and slightly nuttier flavor.

Chunky Salsa, Medium Hot: This vibrant and flavorful salsa adds a final layer of fresh vegetables, spice, and tanginess. The chunky texture provides another element of interest, while the medium heat level offers a pleasant kick that complements the other flavors without being overwhelming. The tomatoes, onions, and peppers in the salsa further enhance the overall taco experience.

Crafting the Perfect Taco Salad

Part 1: Building the Flavorful Foundation - The Turkey Chili

This recipe starts with a quick and easy turkey chili that forms the warm and savory heart of our taco salad.

Step 1: Browning the Ground Turkey for Lean Flavor

Begin by placing your ground turkey in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. As the turkey cooks, make sure to stir it frequently with a spoon or spatula to break up any large clumps. This ensures even cooking and a more desirable texture for your chili. Once the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink, carefully drain it into a colander placed in your sink. This step is crucial for removing excess fat, resulting in a healthier and less greasy chili. After draining, use paper towels to gently blot the turkey, removing any remaining fat. Return the drained and blotted turkey to the same pan.

Step 2: Softening the Onions for Sweetness

Next, take your chopped onions and place them in a microwave-safe bowl or on a plate. Microwave the onions on high for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. Microwaving helps to quickly soften the onions, releasing their sweet and savory flavors without the need for stovetop sautéing at this stage.

Step 3: Simmering the Chili to Perfection

Add the softened, cooked onions to the pan with the browned turkey. Now, pour in the remaining turkey chili ingredients: the pasta or tomato sauce, drained and rinsed kidney beans, drained and rinsed black beans, chopped tomatoes, water, chili powder, ground cumin, ground red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chili simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Simmering allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic chili that will be the star of your taco salad.

Part 2: Assembling Your Delicious Taco Salad

With the warm and flavorful turkey chili ready, it's time to assemble your individual taco salads. This is where the fresh and crunchy elements come into play!

Step 4: Creating the Refreshing Lettuce Base

For each serving, take approximately 2 cups of chopped romaine lettuce and arrange it on a plate. The crisp lettuce provides a cool and refreshing foundation for the warm chili and other toppings.

Step 5: Adding the Hearty Warmth of Turkey Chili

Spoon about ¾ cup of the warm turkey chili over the bed of romaine lettuce on each plate. The warm chili adds a satisfying and flavorful protein element to your salad.

Step 6: Layering Fresh Tomatoes for Juiciness

Next, sprinkle about ½ cup of chopped tomatoes evenly over the warm chili. The fresh, juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and a vibrant color to your salad.

Step 7: Opting for Cheesy Goodness (Optional)

If you desire a cheesy touch, now is the time to sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the tomatoes. The cheese will melt slightly into the warm chili, adding a creamy and savory element.

Step 8: Drizzling with Creamy Ranch Dressing

Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of your favorite reduced-fat ranch dressing (or the recommended Best Skinny Ranch Dressing) over the cheese (or directly over the tomatoes if you skipped the cheese). The creamy and tangy ranch dressing helps to bring all the flavors together.

Step 9: Adding the Irresistible Crunch of Tortilla Chips

Finally, sprinkle about ¼ cup of crushed tortilla chips (such as Guiltless Gourmet blue corn tortilla chips or any reduced-fat variety) over the top of each salad. The crushed chips provide a satisfying and salty crunch that elevates the taco salad experience.

Step 10: Topping with Flavorful Salsa and Serving

To complete your masterpiece, add a dollop of your favorite chunky salsa (medium hot recommended, like Pace Chunky Salsa) on top of each salad. Serve immediately with extra salsa on the side for those who like an extra kick of flavor and freshness.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 4 main-course salads (each salad, 2 cups lettuce and ¾ cup turkey chili)

Shopping Tips
If you don’t want to make Best Skinny Ranch Dressing, use a store-bought reduced-fat ranch. If you live in Southern California, you can buy Nancy’s Healthy Kitchen Lite Ranch Dressing at Gelson’s or Ralph’s Markets in the produce department. I also like Trader Joe’s Reduced-fat Ranch Dressing or Marie’s Lite Ranch Dressing, sold in the produce department of most supermarkets.

Prep Tips
This turkey chili recipe makes 8 cups. You’ll only need 3 cups for this recipe to make 4 salads. Freeze the remaining chili in containers to make this salad at another time.

If you make my skinny ranch dressing for this recipe, you’ll have a lot leftover. It will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks. It’s so versatile. It’s not only delicious on a variety of salads, it’s great as a dip for veggies or a topping for baked potatoes.

Vegetarian Tips
To make this salad vegetarian use a meatless crumble to replace the ground turkey. I like Ives Meatless Ground. It’s sold in most supermarkets, health food stores and Trader Joe’s.

Quick Tip
You can substitute all the dry seasoning in the chili with 1 package of Lawry’s Chili Mix.

WW Freestyle Points 5-Blue
WW SmartPoints 8-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 salad, including 2 tablespoons Best Skinny Ranch Dressing (not including cheese)
346 calories, 6g fat, 0g sat. fat, 25g protein, 54g carbs, 11g fiber, 743mg sodium, 8g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle Points
220 calories, 0g sat. fat, 4g sugar, 18g protein